Laurel Smith Obituary
Raleigh
Laurel Toole Smith, our beloved "Laurie," passed away Monday, September 29, 2014. Born July 16, 1956, she was the first child of Katie and William Bell Toole, III. Raised in Raleigh, Laurie was graduated in 1974 from Needham B. Broughton High School, where she was co-president of her senior class. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978. At the time of her passing, she served as Vice President and Director of Customer Experience for Solutions Advisors, a consulting company servicing the senior housing industry. She had a true gift of connecting with people, both the seniors she served as well as their families. She was particularly influential to a community in Pennsylvania, Spring Meadows, which will honor her by naming its new memory care wing "Laurel Meadows," a constant reminder of her dedicated service and compassion. She is survived by (in her own words) her "greatest accomplishments," her two loving children, Jillian Smith Dodson and Jordan Smith, who were so proud of her; devoted mother Katie Toole; loving brother Billy Toole; son in law Joshua Dodson and granddaughter Ansley Rose Dodson, who brought her great joy and delight as her "Lali"; sister in law Cindy Toole and niece and nephew Laura and William J (BJ) Toole; dear family friends Bettie Sousa and Mary McKay; cousin and friend Trudy Durham; and countless others, too numerous to list, who were close to her heart. No challenge was too great, no soul too lost, no day too dark, that Laurel would not pour her heart into to save. To know her was to witness a rare blend of kindness, strength, independence, humor and love. She will be remembered every day. A service will be held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh on Friday, October 3rd at 10 a.m. The family will receive guests following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Medical Foundation of NC, Inc., 880 Martin Luther King Blvd., CB #7565, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-2600 in honor of Laurel Smith with special thanks to Dr. Paul Hayashi. Heaven welcomed a new angel on Monday when our mom, surrounded by family, joined her father, our Poppy. We love you so and will miss you always. "Goodnight sweet princess, and may flights of angels send thee to thy rest."
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October 19, 2014
I just attended the 40th High School Reunion for the class of 1974- Broughton High School. Laurie was listed among those we memoriaized and we were all so saddened at the news of her death. We shared some very funny and memorable times of our dear Laurie. I grew up with her from the neighborhood and spent the night and had slumber parties at the home. She played the piano so beautifully for an audition I had. She was always a good listener and a sweet person. Our love and deepest sympathy to all the family. She is truly missed and was a blessing to all who knew her. On behalf of the Class of 1974, I am Cindy Wolfe Beaver.
October 12, 2014
I knew Laurie from Broughton and she worked with my dad at Durham Life she was a good friend she will me missed
Marjory Timothy
October 8, 2014
I went to school with Laurie and graduate from Broughton with her. I adored her, and while we rarely saw each other after graduation I thought of her often. My heart goes out to her family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kim and Wendy Varney
October 5, 2014
To Jordan and Jillian, Kim and I send our heartfelt condolences to you both and your family. We know your pretty and loving Mom will be missed but God will give you strength to carry on. Jordan, you will always hold a special place in our hearts! In our thoughts and prayers,always!
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Karen Long
October 3, 2014
Laurel was a dear neighbor and such a sweet soul. She loved her work and family so much and will be truly missed by all that knew her.
Cynthia Strickland
October 3, 2014
God bless you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Deborah Farris Taylor
October 3, 2014
An old classmate of ours at Broughton let me know that you had passed. I had a memorial service for my Mom today, so say hello and tell her your name. We had a great time as co-presidents of our senior class. You hold a special place in my heart.
Robb & Pat Crosswhite
October 3, 2014
We knew Laurie at Broughton & had the pleasure of seeing her again at Durham Life Broadcasting. Such a sweetie. Our deepest sympathies to all the family.
October 3, 2014
Dear Laurel, Thank you for hiring me at WQDR and allowing me to experience such a wonderful radio family. Say hello to David, may you rest in loving peace.
Susie Walton
Heath White
October 3, 2014
Peace and blessings to Laurie's family. I hope the memories of good times and vision of her radiant smile gives you comfort.
October 3, 2014
Laurie had a vivid personality and was truly an effective leader during our high school years. Our thoughts and prayers to the family during this period of transition...
Sincerely,
DeSota Wilson
Broughton High School '74
UNC-CH '78
Jennifer Light
October 3, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Laurel was an amazing women and I am grateful that I had a chance to work with her.
Alan, Steve & Dave
October 2, 2014
Dear Bill, we are so sorry to hear the news of your sister. Just you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sending each of you our sincere condolences and praying you find comfort during this time. From your foursome at River Glen G.C.
Alan, Steve & Dave
October 2, 2014
Bill, we are all thinking of you and your family back in Indiana. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. With deepest condolences and warmest wishes for comfort to each of you.
Your Foursome from River Glen Golf Club.
David Lee
October 2, 2014
Mrs. Toole and Billy,
So sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. May the peace of God comfort you during this most difficult time.
Love and best wishes,
David Lee
BHS Class of 1974
dora barber
October 2, 2014
Jillian and Jordan your Mom was always so proud of the two of you. There is another angel watching over you and your families. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bobbye Linn
October 2, 2014
Dear Katie Ruth,
I am heart broken at your loss. Laurie was so special and such
A joy for you. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will
Continue to be. I love you. Bobbye
October 2, 2014
I am so honored to be called her friend and will never forget the years she lived just a few houses away. She was gifted in so many ways. Truly beautiful inside and out. Peace be with all of you during this difficult time. Much Love, Meredith Bourne and family
Doug Parsons
October 2, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Laurel's passing. It hurts when such a good, happy and vibrant person is taken so young. I have so many fond memories of her from the years we worked together at WQDR.
Joel Adam-Roberts
October 2, 2014
My heart is very heavy and I am very sad to hear about Laurie's passing. She was a dear friend since our high school years. As we lived our separate lives I wish we could have connected more. But I often remember fondly our high school adventures with her and Ellen P. ( my Dad called us the 3 musketeers !) My thoughts are with her children and Katie her wonderful mother. I can truly say I was blessed to have know her. May God welcome you with open arms, and reunite you with your Dad! Love and prayers.
Casey Vickery
October 2, 2014
Saying prayers bro.
October 2, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at such a sad time.
Jane Hunt
Elizabeth and Taylor
Jeff Braden
October 2, 2014
Jill and I are so sorry to learn of Laurie's passing. It is such a shock to us... and of course, to others who have known and loved her longer than we. Our condolences to the family; we wish you strength and peace in this difficult time.
Jeff & Jill Braden
October 2, 2014
So sorry to hear of our friends passing. We had many great times together.
Glen & Cricket Harrell
Mountain Laurel
Julia Fallon
October 2, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy from the McMillan family. Laurie was a wonderful talented and delightful person.
ellen pillow
October 2, 2014
Laurie and I were inseparable during our high school years, and I was honored to be her maid of honor at her wedding. No friend has been more dear to me. Her gift of making us laugh in the most dire and miserable of circumstances was a great treasure. I could use some of that gift right now. THe world is better that she was here, even though her time was short. Hugs to the family she so adored.
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