Barbara Laro Smith, 81, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home on Friday, November 17, 2017. A native of New London, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Nicholas F. and Marion F. Kollock Laro.
Mrs. Smith was a member of Borderview Christian Church where she taught the 5th and 6th grade Sunday School Class for many years. She enjoyed being an active member of her church and doing crafts, especially making her homemade baskets.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, James Rodney Smith; a son, Walter Smith; a grandson, Leonard Lee Pickens Jr.; and two brothers, Joseph Laro and Nicholas Laro Jr.
Those left to cherish her memory include a daughter, Marion Hayes and husband Ronnie, of Elizabethton; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service for Barbara Laro Smith will be conducted at 6 p.m. Monday, November 20, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Scott Fisher officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mr. Scott Reynolds. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 6 p.m. Monday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 9:50 a.m. Tuesday. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Milissa with Amedisys Hospice for her loving care of Mrs. Smith. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in Mrs. Barbara Laro Smith’s name, to the Borderview Christian Church, 1338 Bristol Highway, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family online at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Smith and her family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.