Virginia "Jenny" Lea Smith

Virginia Jenny Lea Smith

Virginia Lea Smith, 73, of Henrico, fought with perseverance, determination and unwavering bravery to continue life with those she loved; however, the Lords call arrived Friday, June 24, 2016, at Wake Med in Raleigh.

Jenny is survived by husband Richard Smith, of Henrico, daughter Kristin Smith, of Durham, son Jayson Smith, daughter-in-law Jennifer and granddaughter Olivia Rose, all of Ashburn, Va.

This small town country girl grew up in the Dust Bowl era. Jennys younger years were spent as a sharecroppers daughter, picking cotton by hand in the hot-sundrenched fields on the farm. Even with bruised and cut hands from work, she would return home after a hard day in the field to prepare dinner with her mother.

Her strong work ethic and sense of family always remained. She met, was engaged to and married the love of her life within three months. Jenny and Rich were married for nearly 50 years.

A time or two, Jenny shared one of the secrets to marriage was always having respect for one another. Jenny and Rich raised their son and daughter to be hardworking individuals who carried on the traditions they held dear.

Jenny volunteered for multiple local causes, and was a proud member of The Lake Gaston Ladies Club. She was an avid reader and a fiercely passionate bridge player. Her cooking skills were unmatched with some of the most missed dishes being her homemade veggie soup and chocolate gravy and biscuits.

There will be a remembrance service at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Hockaday Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m.

If making a donation is desired, the family suggests supporting The Lake Gaston Ladies Club Outreach Program, c/o Treasurer Georgia Holder, 105 Pinewood Acres Drive, Henrico, NC 27842.