Orene Smith Coward, 96, of Rockingham, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, Nov. 28,2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Feb. 14, 1928 in Richmond County, a daughter of the late James Walker and Hattie Leviner Smith.
Mrs. Coward was a homemaker. She was a charter member of Temple Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and was the pianist for many years. Orene was an excellent cook, seamstress, quilter, and she also enjoyed gardening.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Joey Byrd, the Rev. Scott Conner and the Rev. Thomas Watson officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Orene was preceded in death by her husband, Harmon Coward; brothers Boyd and Hiram, and sisters Margaret, Ruth, Pearl, Lillian and Annie.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Alicia Harding (Jim), Aneva Conner (Scott), Adeana Elzey (Bob) and Angela Perkinson (David); seven grandchildren, Jason (Stephanie), Jared (Meagan), Katelyn (Tyler), Austin, Dustin (Jill), Logan, Alayna (Ken); great-grandchildren, Laila, Eli, Carsyn, Weston, Kirk and Jane.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 from 1-2:15 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
The family warmly welcomes friends to visit Orene’s home in the days preceding the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 165 Airport Road, Rockingham, NC 28379; and Richmond County Hospice, 1119 U.S. 1N, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Watson-King Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
