IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Gladys Lorene

Gladys Lorene Smith Profile Photo

Smith

March 30, 1945 – April 25, 2026

Funeral Services

Visitation

April
29

Parr Funeral Home & Crematory

3515 Robs Dr, Suffolk, VA 23434

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Send Flowers

Funeral Service

April
29

Parr Funeral Home & Crematory

3515 Robs Dr, Suffolk, VA 23434

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Send Flowers

Obituary

Gladys Lorene Tolliver Smith, affectionately known as Lorene, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 25, 2026, in Windsor, Virginia, at the age of 81. Born on March 30, 1945, in Speedwell, Tennessee, Lorene brought warmth and grace to all who knew her throughout her full and vibrant life.

Lorene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose legacy of love and kindness will forever be cherished by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Robert M. Tolliver and Elizabeth Rene North Tolliver; her devoted husband of 50 years, Billy Ray Smith Sr.; and 11 brothers and sisters.

With a strong work ethic and dedication to her career, Lorene served for many years as an Executive Housekeeper for Omni Hotels, where she was honored as Employee of the Year. After her professional career, she devoted herself to her role as a homemaker, creating a loving environment filled with joy and laughter for her family.

Lorene had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, finding delight in butterflies, hummingbirds, and tending to her garden, particularly her cherished Dogwood trees. She enjoyed the simple pleasure of black coffee and treasured time spent with her family, especially Allie, her special "grand pup" and shadow. Her family was the center of her world.

A woman of faith, Lorene was an active member of the Windsor Grove Church, where she found spiritual nourishment and fellowship. Her gentle spirit and unwavering faith were a source of inspiration to all who knew her.

Lorene leaves behind a loving legacy carried on by her surviving family: her son, Billy Ray Smith Jr. and his wife, Tonya; her daughter, Sharon Renee Tallarico and her husband, Ken; her grandchildren, Heather Teel and her husband, Robert, Brandi Thedford and her husband, Josh, Daniel Fuchs and his girlfriend, Nichole Credle, and Braelyn Fuchs; her precious great-grandchildren, Mason, Alaina, Alexis, and Adelyn; step daughters, Patricia Mowery and Alicia Poe; step grandchildren, Taylor Mowery and Alex Poe; siblings, Ernie Tolliver and his wife, Teresa, and Vernie Minton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory. A funeral service honoring Lorene's life will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Horton Wreath Society, reflecting Lorene's generous spirit and commitment to remembering her husband and honoring those who have served.

Lorene's warmth, compassion, and unwavering love will be profoundly missed, yet her memory will continue to inspire and guide those who had the privilege of knowing her.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gladys Lorene Smith, please visit our flower store.

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