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Florence Smith Obituary
April 7, 2026
KINGSPORT - Florence "Cookie" Smith, 102, of Kingsport, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Born in 1923 to Gordon and Winnie Biggerstaff, Florence was raised in a large and lively household alongside her eleven siblings. Those early years shaped her deep appreciation for family-a value that remained central throughout her life. She began her working life at Holston Defense during WWII before later serving as secretary at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, where she faithfully served for 25 years.
Florence found joy in life's simple pleasures-tending to her garden, spending time with those she loved, the occasional square dance (despite her two left feet) and sharing laughter that left a lasting impression.
Her faith and love for her family were the foundation of her life. These values shaped a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched. She lived a long, full, and happy life.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Charles Ray Smith; her parents, Gordon and Winnie Biggerstaff; five brothers; five sisters; and her son-in-law, H. Paul Walker.
Florence is survived by her children, Linda Onkotz; Dianna Walker (Woody Woodson), Greg Smith, and Kathy Small; grandchildren, Steve Onkotz, Jr. (Shelly), Kevin Small, Kerry Small, Rachel Kuhn (Steven), Jason Walker (Tracie), and Laura Owens (Brian); twelve great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Jean Catanzaro (Sam); along with many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, with a funeral service to follow at 3:30 p.m. with Pastors Tim Paul and Chris Brown officiating.
Burial will follow at Hamlett-Dobson Memorial Park in Blountville.
Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Florence Smith
Apr
19
Funeral services provided by:
Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home - Kingsport117 E. Charlemont Avenue PO Box 27, Kingsport, TN 37662
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