Laura E. Smith-Curtis
1926-2019
Rockingham, NC
Laura E. Smith-Curtis 93 of 717 Roberdell Road and a former Richburg resident, passed away on Tuesday
September 3, 2019 in the Richmond County Hospice Haven following a brief illness. 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 and Daryl (Brenda) Smith Oneida, TN; 11 grandchildren;
8 great-grandchildren; one sister Lucile Baldwin Richburg, NY and several nieces and nephews. She was
preceded in death by 3 brothers, Howard, Edward and Donald Wightman; 3 sisters, Marguerite
Wightman, Dude Burdick Lyman and Jean Whitman.
Friends may call on Saturday September 14 at the Richburg First Day Baptist Church from 10-11 AM.
Funeral services will follow visitation at 11 AM. with Pastor Larry Allen officiating. Burial will be in the
Demick Cemetery in the Town of Wirt.
Arrangements by the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar.
Schaffner Funeral Home
