Florence Elaine Smith

ANGIER- Florence H. Smith, 96, passed away Monday at Emerald Health and Rehab Center in Lillington. A native of South Boston, Virginia, Florence was the daughter of the late Samuel Ellington and Ruby Peedin. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 18th at Angier Baptist Church at 12:30 PM. Burial will follow the service at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh. The family will receive visitors at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier, Monday, May 17th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Florence is survived by her children, C.A. Harris (Kathy) of Dunn, Michael Harris (Mary) of Angier, Melody Grinder of Ocean City, MD, Sandy Smith of Blacksburg, VA, Paul Smith of Pembroke; eleven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Mark Goodwin of Wilmington. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence Harris and Clarence Smith; stepfather, Harold Peedin; daughter, Elaine Goodwin; sister, Amanda Gower; brothers, Samuel Ellington and William Ellington. Florence, the youngest of four siblings, grew up during the Great Depression and was part of America’s Greatest Generation. She was raised by her mother Ruby after her father abandoned the family during hard times. She learned well life’s hard lessons growing up and applied them throughout her life. Florence was a good and decent, hard-working person who always took care of her family, friends, and loved ones selflessly never seeking reward or acclaim. She never tried to run anyone’s life, never gossiped, never made anyone feel guilty, and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. She raised her children to stand on their own two feet and to always take responsibility for their own actions and decisions. Florence rose to great heights in her professional life based on her common sense, work ethic, and demonstrated ability to always exceed expectations. She was a good and moral Christian Lady who spoke softly and led by example.