AULANDER, NC – Hazel “Pete” Austin Smith, age 88, passed away on March 3, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Smith was born in Bertie County on February 8, 1929, a daughter of the late Foyd and Ester Parker Austin.

“Pete” was a graduate of Aulander High School; a longtime, faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, and worked as a secretary for Farm & Home Gas until her retirement. She was an avid gardener, and enjoyed growing both flowers and vegetables, especially collards. Miss “Pete loved riding her golf cart, telephone calls, and being an all-around good neighbor.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Lloyd Smith; a brother, Ted Austin, and a sister, Leona “Polly” Hoggard.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Lloyd Wayne Smith, and Larry Smith and wife, Crystal of Aulander, NC; two granddaughters, DeAnn Drew and husband, David of Ahoskie, NC, and Tayler Smith of San Francisco, CA; a grandson, Blake Smith of Athens, GA; two sisters, Ruth Garrett of Harrellsville, NC, and Jane Futrell and husband, Jimmy of Murfreesboro, NC; a brother, James Austin of Aulander, NC; and several nieces and nephews. She was a loving wife, mother, memaw, sister, and neighbor, and will be missed by all.

The family will receive friends at any time at the home of Mrs. Smith.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Oak Grove Baptist Church, Aulander, NC, with Rev. Greg Hurdle, officiating. Burial will follow in Aulander Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made directly to Vidant Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC, 27910 or to the American Cancer Society, 930 B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC, 27834; or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search, then type Hazel Smith.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Smith family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.