Born April 16, 1926 in the Town of Wirt. She was the
daughter of LaVern and Jennie Pierce Wightman. She married the Rev. Stanley
Smith on December 21, 1946 in Ithaca, NY. Rev. Smith preceded her in death on
September 28, 1997. She was married briefly to Donald Curtis, who also preceded
her in death.
Laura was a graduate and Valedictorian of the Richburg
Central School Class of 1943. She attended Cornell University for 2 years,
1943-1945 and later attended Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, NY.
She began teaching in Christian Schools in Wilson, NC and
later in Orlando, FL prior to her retirement.
She was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Longwood,
FL. She attended West Pines Baptist Church in Rockingham, NC. She was also a
member of Baptist Church Planters.
Surviving are 5 children: David (Eileen) Smith Ithaca, NY, Judith
Sullivan Rockingham, NC, Dennis (Kaye) Smith Smyrna, TN, Dean (Marie) Smith of
Florida, Daryl (Brenda) Smith Oneida, TN.
11 Grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren one sister Lucile
Baldwin Richburg, NY. Several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by 3 brothers: Howard, Edward and Donald
Wightman. 3 sisters: Marguerite Wightman, Dude Burdick Lyman, Jean Whitman.
Friends may call on Saturday September 14 at the Richburg
First Day Baptist Church from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will follow
visitation at 11 a.m. Pastor Larry Allen officiating.
Burial in the Demick Cemetery in the Town of Wirt. Arrangements
by the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc. in Bolivar.
