Lorena Baker Lawrence passed away peacefully in her home with her family at her side in Smithfield, June 30, 2021, at the age of 85.
Lorena is predeceased by her husband, Harold Corbett Lawrence Sr., and her parents, Richard Bentley Baker and Elsie Mae Stephenson Baker.
Lorena is survived by her loving family, Kathryn Dashiell Day (Dave), of Richmond, Nancy Dashiell Manly (Bo), of Key West, Fla., Harold Corbett Lawrence Jr. (Janis), of Raleigh, N.C., and Dianne Lawrence Cheek, of Surry; her grandchildren, Alex Day, Jackson and Julie Lawrence, and Sarah Grace Cheek; her sisters, Elsie Baker Tokaz (Tom) and MaryAnne Baker Moyer; all of her nieces and nephews; and her loving care-giver, Shanna Mathews, of Surry.
Lorena was born in Surry on Jan. 24, 1936. She graduated in 1955 from Surry High School, where she excelled in basketball. She attended Pan American Business School in Richmond and began her career as the first female bank teller at Merchants and Farmers Bank in Smithfield. She continued her career in banking with Virginia National Bank, Sovran Bank and Bank of America. After retiring as an officer of the Bank of America, Lorena worked with her daughter Nancy at Cloud Nine in Smithfield.
Lorena enjoyed time with her family and friends, traveling, family beach week at OBX, working in her church — Christ Episcopal Church in Smithfield — and serving as a member of the Altar Guild, and volunteer work for the neighborhood crime line, Isle of Wight Museum and Gimme Shelter. Lorena also loved her sheltie, Charlie. Lorena was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, a fabulous cook, had a witty sense of humor, and was a gracious southern lady.
The memorial service, followed by reception and visitation, will be held at 2 p.m. July 10, 2021, at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church St., Smithfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Isle of Wight Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 97, Smithfield, VA 23431, Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church St., Smithfield, VA 23430, Isle of Wight Animal Shelter, 13100 Poor House Road, Windsor, VA 23487, or the American Heart Association.
Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.