Elnora Livingston Smith

Elnora Livingston Smith was born on May 24, 1938 in Bertha, North Carolina to the late Willie Martin White and Lizzie Bell Forbes. As the second oldest of nine children, Elnora played an integral role in helping her parents to raise her younger siblings. It was during these early years that her love of the Lord was nurtured.

At seven years-old, Elnora was diagnosed with rheumatic fever, a condition that had a lasting impact on her life. The doctors told her family that she would likely not live to graduate from high school. Elnora and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had a different plan. Overcoming the debilitating pain of her illness and graduating high school against the odds was one of the Lord’s Miracles that she experienced and often shared with family, friends and those who cared for her.

After graduating from Currituck County High School, Elnora made the decision to leave her hometown and move north to Connecticut. While living in Connecticut, she met, fell in love with and married the late Raymond Eugene Smith, her husband of over 25 years until he passed away. They had four treasured sons: Stanley Smith, Elliott Smith, Charles Smith, and Joseph Smith, who were the joys of her life. The unconditional love that Elnora poured into her sons was evident in the extraordinary care and dedication that they each provided to her in her later years.

Although Elnora never had daughters, she often remarked that she was blessed with her three precious daughters-in-law: Karen Smith, Jamilia Smith, and Jacquelyn Smith, who were all touched by her love and kindness. Elnora was so proud of each of her wonderful grandchildren: Shaun Smith, Elliott Smith, Karina Smith, Maiyah Smith, Kamilah Smith, Jaden Smith, Jayce Smith, and Malia Smith, and great granddaughters, Jazelle Smith and Ellie San-Smith. This love was memorialized in letters that she wrote for each grandchild and great grandchild telling them of her love and reminding them to continue their education and put God first in their lives.

Elnora will be remembered and celebrated by her surviving brothers and sisters: Riley White, Thelma Wallace, Grace Cummings, Peggy Waddell and Ralph White, who she loved dearly. She will also continue to be treasured by her loving brothers-in-law: Mark Cummings and Leon Waddell, sisters-in-law: Laura Sims and Ollie White, Godson: Albertus Pompey, and cousins, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, their families and numerous friends. Elnora was predeceased by three of her beloved brothers: Willie White, Elwood White and Iris White.

Elnora was a faithful member of the Progressive Holiness Church in Hempstead, New York. After relocating to Georgia in 2006, she found a new church home and became a member of World Changers Church International, where she attended service with her sister and brother. Her favorite past time was singing along with gospel artists while listening to her CD collection or watching gospel programs and DVDs. Elnora also enjoyed visiting with and caring for her friends and neighbors. She was a praying woman who devoted time each day to reading her Bible and praying for her family, friends, the less fortunate and our leaders. Elnora’s positive and gentle spirit touched the lives of so many family, friends and neighbors. Elnora’s deep spiritual roots helped her to remain positive and strong in the darkest of times and she never appeared sad or weak. She leaves a legacy of strength and resilience for all of those who knew or were touched by her.

Elnora will forever be missed but never forgotten.