Elizabeth Ann
Harrison Smith, 88
Elizabeth Ann Harrison Smith died Friday, August 4, 2023, while in hospice care.
She was born March 1, 1935, in Fenwick, W.V., to the late James Ranson and Flossie Roxanna Hollister Harrison.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Johnny G. Smith of Rising Sun, Del.; two sisters, Esther Leah Ashby and Ernestine "Teenie" Harris of W.V.; her nieces, Susie Smith Price of Fla., Marcie Rhew of Va., Faye Gore, Gail Cobb, Margie Stephens and Joanne Sykes of N.C.; and her nephews, James Harris and Turner Jackson Ashby of W.V., and Timothy Smith of Fla.
Elizabeth was a member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Va. She was born in impoverished circumstances in rural W.V., but her parents and older siblings emphasized the importance of obtaining an education to escape that poverty. She loved learning and sharing knowledge. She received two bachelor degrees in Botany and English Literature from WVU and a master's in education (specializing in marine biology) from University of Delaware (UD).
She taught biology and English literature to high school students in Maryland and Delaware. She then obtained posts as head librarian at Lakeview Elementary School, Milford High and Caesar Rodney High Schools. She enjoyed helping students with research and supporting student library clubs. In retirement, she joined James River Writers Club and was writing two books of fiction that were inspired by her own experiences surviving the Great Depression in Appalachia. She also owned small internet businesses. In recent years, she enjoyed visiting flea markets and exploring Richmond, Va. with her grandson Garry Moore. Her energy, work ethic and kindness were unsurpassed and the number of lives she improved are too numerous to mention.
She is survived by her daughter, Shelly Ann Smith Elliott of Richmond, Va.; her brother, Hollister Summers Harrison, MD; her grandchildren, Garland "Garry" Hurst Moore IV and Abigail Christian Elliott of Va. and Eliza Hollister Moore of N.Y.; and nieces and nephews, including Bob and Bill Harris of W.V.; Jennie Harrison Powell of Fla.; Laura Harrison and David Harrison of Tenn.; Alan Smith and Christian Durett of Va.; Dianne Smith and Debbie Eversom of N.C.; and Ted Smith and Velenda Smith Courtney of Del.
Viewing will begin at 11 a.m. followed by funeral services at 12 noon on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 10627 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Va.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 29626, Richmond, VA 23242.
Graveside services will be held in Fenwick, W.V. on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.