Corena Smith Harrison

Corena Smith Harrison, age 87 of Rocky Mount went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 21, 2022. She was the last surviving child of Joe Fonza and Bertha Rigney Smith. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Myrtle Law, Lizzie Robertson, Sallie Mays, Etheleen Hall, and Lucille Brown; brothers, Eugene Smith and Henry “Nob” Smith. Surviving are her daughter, Dianne Ayers; her special son-in-law, Gary Ayers; granddaughter, Jennifer Mattox (Brandon Hamel); great-granddaughter, D’Anna Gibson (Nick Hamilton); three great-great-grandsons, Lennon, Ledger, and Lynnox Hamilton, who she loved dearly; two sisters-in-law, Sheila Smith and Elsie Harrison; two special nieces, Mary Lou Denis and Debra Linkous; many other nieces and nephews. Corena loved to spend her days outdoors whether it be sitting on the porch, working in her yard or playing with her grandkids. She was especially known for her generous spirit, always there when you needed her and never speaking an unkind word. Corena was recognized for her outstanding work ethic, only missing one day of work in 58 years. She was a member of Henry Fork Church of the Brethren. The family would like to extend thanks to Carilion Hospice, especially to Susan Bussey, Juliane Cook, Jewel LaClair and to her speech therapist, Karen Everett. Funeral services will be conducted at Flora Funeral Chapel, 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2022 with Pastor Ronald Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.