Annabel Smith

Annabel Elmore Smith passed from this world to her Heavenly home on Friday, April 10, 2009.

Annabel was born in Norlina, NC, on January 23, 1917. She was the daughter of Bessie O. Bridger Elmore and Walter Roland Elmore Sr.

She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Harold Campbell Smith, Sr. and two of their sons, Harold C. Smith, Jr. and Alexander Elmore Smith. Annabel was predeceased by 3 brothers, their spouses and one sister.

She is survived by Annabel (Ann) Smith Noonan and husband, Thomas Wyatt Noonan, William Thomas Smith and wife, Patricia McCarthy Smith and her former daughter-in-law, Kathy Stanton Smith; 8 adult grand children and 7 great grand children. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Elmore White of Bladenboro,NC, along with sister-in-law Opal Smith of Clarkton, NC; brother-in-law C. David Smith and wife, Betty Jo of Plant City, FL.

Surviving grandchildren include Rachel Elizabeth Noonan Winstead and husband, Jeff Dale of Greensboro, John Thomas Noonan and wife, Tonya Stetson Noonan of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and their 3 children, Matthew Wyatt Noonan and wife, Kristin Lorraine Hershberger Noonan of Charlotte, NC, and their 3 children, Sarah Elisabeth Smith and 1 child of Atlanta, GA, Anna Jane Smith of Atlanta, GA, Katherine Joy Smith of Atlanta, GA, Margaret Ann Smith of Charlotte, NC, and Nathan Campbell Smith of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by 28 nieces and nephews.

Annabel had a deep, genuine love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She became a Christ follower in childhood, but her faith matured and deepened in adulthood. Everyone who knew her knew her faith was authentic and she was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a woman who loved all and was deeply loved by many. Annabel\\'s spiritual gift was encouragement, which she freely shared with more than will ever be known. She had a magnetic personality and was always interested in the welfare of others. She was known by many as a prayer warrior, often being called upon by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, their children and friends for counsel and prayer. Her legacy can only be truly known in eternity.

After high school Annabel attended Queens University and Kings Business College. She spent many years being a loving wife and caring mother to her four children. After her husband had a massive stroke she went to work for World Book Encyclopedia and became District Manager. During the following 28 years, Annabel was the primary care giver for her invalid husband, Harold. Although life was often difficult, her countenance was full of joy, which she was quick to attribute to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Needless to say, Annabel Elmore Smith will be missed by all who knew her, but she would only say we will be reunited again if you know Jesus.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Matthews, Matthews, NC, on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 6:00 PM. Visitation will be held at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown, NC, on Friday, April 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. A funeral service will be at First Baptist Church of Bladenboro, Bladenboro, NC, on Saturday, April 18, at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Pine Crest Cemetery, Bladenboro, NC.

Pall Bearers are John Noonan, Matthew Noonan, Nathan Smith, Jeff Winstead, Walter Elmore, Jimmy White, Frank Elmore and Jim Elmore.