“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Our mother, Patsy Lane Hooker Smith, 71, of Claudville, passed away January 9, 2016, at Heritage Hall Laurel Meadows in Laurel Fork.
Her selfless devotion to family was truly born of a mother’s love. And although she claimed not to know her way around the kitchen when she married, she became an excellent cook and loved feeding a large crowd. She thoroughly enjoyed hosting the noisy laughter, love and fellowship of so many Christmas Eves, house bursting at the seams, with four generations under one roof. Her reward for raising children was watching her two grandsons grow into fine young men.
The youngest of nine, she was born March 25, 1944, to Merritt and Lou Ada Goins Hooker. Her oldest brother, Carl, was in World War II and did not meet her until she was two years old. She grew up in her Papa’s store and enjoyed candy treats from her brothers when they dropped in. Her oldest niece and nephew were more like brother and sister growing up.
After retiring from Renfro, she enjoyed camping and cooking at Homeplace where she and our father made new friends and watched their grandsons play, swim and drive the golf cart.
In addition to her parents and siblings, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Billy Gray, and an infant daughter, Tracye Lane. She is survived by her son, Tony, and his wife Alisa; a daughter, Tonya, and her husband Ken Williams; two grandsons, Elliot Smith and his wife Haley, and Trevor Smith. She and Billy Gray had a dog, Baxter, who still lives with Ken and Tonya.
A celebration of life was held Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy, N.C., at 2 p.m. Reverends Buford Jessup and Donnie Gray officiated. Our mother will be laid to rest privately at a later date at Carter’s Chapel in Ararat.
We offer a sincere thank you to our families and friends for their love, support, calls and prayers during the past year when Mama could no longer be at home. We especially appreciate our cousin, Connie, who looked on Mama as a big sister, and who, along with her husband, Donnie, was so good to visit and lift her spirits. Love and laughter are the best medicines. And we will never be able to adequately convey our appreciation to the staff at Laurel Meadows. Their facility is a hidden gem, and their affection for our mother was palpable.
Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
