Coreen Smith Mckee

Coreen Estelle Smith McKee was born in Harnett County, North Carolina on September 11th, 1921. She was one of 11 children (5 sisters and 6 brothers) born to Beely Carlton and Olla Ossie Baker Smith.

Coreen was known for her incredible work ethic, quick wit, sense of humor, a strong quiet faith in the Lord, and her tremendous love of sweets and homemade yeast rolls. She lived a long life full of memories stretching back to the Great Depression where she picked cotton as a child to support her family. After raising her three daughters she started her career as a clerk for the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, retiring in 1988. She was also the only member of her family to receive a high school education, graduating from Holly Springs High School where she was given the nickname “Dimples and Mistletoe.”

Coreen was loved by her community and church, Forest Hills Baptist Church. Her family wishes to thank all of those that brightened her day with visits and love during her final years, with special thanks to Kathy Watson, Virginia (Ginna) Edwards, Donna Eastmon, and Gaynelle Holder.

She is survived by her children: Brenda (Ronald) Idol and Susan Smeltzer; her grandchildren: Christopher and Jamie Idol, Ashley Smeltzer, and Mary (Daniel) Edwards; and her ‘adopted’ children and grandchildren: Douglas Edwards, Virginia Edwards, Benjamin Edwards, and Huntley Edwards. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alonzo Jackson McKee, Jr. and her dearly loved daughter, Penny McKee.

A funeral service will be held at Forest Hills Baptist Church, located at 201 Dixie Trail in Raleigh, NC. The service will start at 11am and will be followed by a light reception at the church. The graveside ceremony will take place at 2pm at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Forest Hills Baptist Church of Raleigh, NC.