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Leola Pearce Smith went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, surrounded by her family at Sentara Obici Hospital. She was the daughter of the late James and Louise Pearce. She is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Willie Melvin Smith Jr.

Leola grew up in Deep Creek and was a graduate of Deep Creek High School. She continued her education at Leigh Memorial Nursing School and graduated as an LPN. She also worked at Louise Obici Memorial Hospital in the pharmacy and later in life, provided childcare in her home for numerous family and friends.

Leola is survived by her daughters, Arlene Smith and Lisa Tarkington; husband, Steve Tarkington Jr.; granddaughters, Tori and Ginger Tarkington; brother, Gregory Pearce and wife, Hazel of Powhatan; brother in law, Earl Smith and wife, Glenda of Suffolk; as well as a niece and nephew and their families.

The family will receive friends at 2 p.m on Sunday, Jan. 24, at R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., and a service to follow at 3 p.m. conducted by Pastor Rob Slingluff. Burial will follow at Holly Lawn Cemetery for family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Christian Church, 1549 Holland Road. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFh.com.