Ola Kelly Avent Smith, 80, of Fuquay Varina, died on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at her home.

She was born in Harnett County on June 21, 1932, the only child of the late Roger Lee and Lois Morgan Avent.

She graduated from LaFayette High School in 1950 as valedictorian of her class. She attended Campbell College where she received an Associate of Arts degree and transferred to East Carolina College where she graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Grammar Education. She enjoyed her time at school and received many honors throughout her high school and college years. On August 27, 1955, she married John Gerald Smith of Lillington who preceded her in death after almost 56 years of marriage. Ola was a teacher at LaFayette High School in Harnett County for 20 years and for a time, also taught at Jordan High School in Columbus, Georgia. She was a talented musician. She started playing the piano as a young child, and continued throughout her life. Many people enjoyed her musical ability. She enjoyed the beach, spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing the piano, and attending concerts. She was a lifelong member of Christian Light Christian Church where she served in a variety of areas, including organist/pianist, choir member, Sunday school teacher and director of youth activities.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Christian Light Christian Church in Fuquay- Varina. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00--8:00 p.m. Wednesday at O'Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home.

Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be given to Christian Light Christian Church, 4351 Christian Light Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her son, Randy Gerald Smith, and his wife, Susan Moore Smith of Fuquay-Varina; a daughter, Kelly Smith Bain, and her husband, Alton Deems Bain of Lillington; 5 grandchildren, Jessica Vickers, Morgan Smith, Andrew Smith, Drew Bain and Daniel Bain. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ann Smith Funderburk of Lillington.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Christian Light Christian Church in Fuquay- Varina. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00--8:00 p.m. Wednesday at O'Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home.