LOUISBURG, NC -- Avis Smith Pernell, 97, of Louisburg, NC was called to her Heavenly home on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

The family will receive friends and visitors on Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. at the Lancaster Funeral Home in Louisburg, NC.

Avis was born on April 20, 1926, to the late James Wiley Smith, Sr. and Lucy Tharrington Smith in Franklin County, NC.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Graham E. Pernell, her sisters, Mildred Roberson, Margie Billings, Marie Pernell, and her brothers, James W Smith, Jr. and Donald R Smith.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Everette Pernell (Donna), Yvonne Smith, Gerald Pernell (Cindy), and Belinda Peoples (Earl); Grandchildren, Tressa Pernell, and Jeremy Ragan (Cortney); great-grandchildren, Hailey, Chloe, Jo, Jo, Natalie, and Andrew, fur grand babies, Sassy, Chip, and Harley, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Avis was a wonderful wife and mother who loved the Lord, her family and looked for every opportunity to witness to others in hopes of bringing glory to God by making a difference in their lives. She was a long-time member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Alert, where she sang in the choir and was a Quartet singer. All her life, Avis loved to sing her favorite songs like Sweet Beulah Land, Suppertime and The Light House. She taught children's Sunday School, Wednesday night Bible study, was a WMU member, and treasurer of Lottie Moon.

Outside of church, Avis enjoyed volunteering at Durham, NC, VA and participating in ECRC Bingo nights. She loved sewing and doing crafts like crocheting, recovering furniture, floral arrangements, making padded covered photo albums, anything to put a smile on someone's face because she never met a stranger. She took pride in caring for her home and loved mowing grass.

John 14:1-4
1 ) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God believe also in me. 2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

The family would like to extend their special appreciation to Franklin Oaks and staff, Lancaster Funeral Home and staff, as well as Flowers by Henry, and staff all of Louisburg, NC.

The Avis Smith Pernell family also wishes to express their wholehearted appreciation to all family and friends for the love, encouragement, and support they have received in their time of bereavement.

Paid obituary