September 28, 2022, 89, Seven Springs –
Lannie Nell Harper Smith, 89, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. Nell was born in Lenoir County to the late Leon and Carrie Mae Sutton Harper on July 7, 1933. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Thomas Calvin “TC” Smith; siblings, Mary Whitfield, Hazel Alphin, Wesley “Red” Harper, Leslie Harper, and Sheriff Leo Harper; and grandson-in-law, Sgt. William Josh Turner.
Upon graduation from Deep Run High School in 1952, Nell went on to obtain her nursing degree from Wilson School of Nursing. A star athlete on the basketball court, Nell played in both high school and college, earning the rank of MVP for the team at Wilson School of Nursing after amassing 47 points in one game.
An avid Duke fan, you would always find Nell cheering on the Blue Devils each time they played. Nell loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, even after the Carolina Blue carpet was installed. Serving on the altar guild, the bereavement committee, and as treasurer of the Episcopal Church Women, Nell gladly served her Lord through the ministries of the church.
As the matriarch of her family, Nell was a constant fixture at T.C. Smith Produce farm. Known to many as “the strawberry lady”, there were few times that guests would enter the strawberry field or produce stand without seeing her. Her dedication to the farm was strong but was surpassed by the dedication and love she held for her family. Nell also had many memorable times with her high school friend group known by many as “The Golden Girls.”
A service of love and remembrance will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service. Committal will follow at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church Cemetery.
Nell is survived by her sons, Curtis Smith and wife, Kim, Wade Smith and wife, Stephanie; grandchildren, Elizabeth Smith, and friend, Dorian Chadwick, Dr. Amanda Smith and fiancé, Cecil Lee, Lindsay Smith and fiancé, Aidan Burk, Jonathon Smith, David Ball and wife, Kimberly, Elizabeth Turner and friend, Joel Hancock; great-grandchild, Sydney Rose Ball; sister, Janice Braswell and husband, Ralph; sister-in-law, Lou Ella Vause; and brother-in-law, W.R. “Billy” Smith, Jr.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Magnolia Cottage for the love and care Nell received while in their care.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, c/o Donna Jones
815 Chase Drive
Kinston, NC 28504
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
