Annie Lewis

Annie Laurie Lewis, 90, of Smithfield died December 26th at the SECU Hospice House surrounded by her family.  She was born December 7, 1922 near Benson to Lena Creech and David Hunter Denning.  She graduated from East Carolina Teachers College (now ECU) and began her teaching career in Four Oaks.  Her first year of teaching she met Jasper Wilson Lewis whom she later married.  They had 2 daughters, Cathy and Nancy. Annie Laurie was a member of First Baptist Church in Smithfield for many years where she was a faithful and dedicated servant.  She enjoyed singing in the Sanctuary Choir for over 50 years.  She served as a member of the Salvation Army Board until October of this year. Besides her parents, Annie Laurie was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson, and her brothers Deleon and Max. Immediate family survivors are her daughter Cathy Leary (husband Dave) of Greensboro; daughter Nancy Barry (husband Trip) of Smithfield; grandson Jonathan Allen (wife Marie) of Smithfield; granddaughter Hannah Wright (husband Scott) of Smithfield and granddaughter Laurie Kovarik (husband Jason) of Raleigh; step granddaughter Lisa Blair (husband Andy) and step grandson Thomas Leary (wife Jennifer) all of Greensboro; 3 great grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren. Other survivors include her sister, Jane Hardee, of Oxford, brother Billy Denning of Benson and brother Joe Denning (wife Barbara) of Benson. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff and volunteers at the Hospice House for the love and compassion they showed to Annie Laurie and all of us during her time there. A memorial service for Annie Laurie will be held on Saturday, December 29th, at 2:00 at First Baptist Church in Smithfield followed by visitation with the family in the church Fellowship Hall.  There will be a private family burial in Four Oaks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church in Smithfield, the Salvation Army in Smithfield or the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield.