Eva Nell Smith

Eva Nell Pierce Smith, 90, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at the Tupelo Nursing and Rehabilitation center in Tupelo. Born on June 13, 1932 in Smithville, she was a daughter to the late William and Odie Holloway Pierce.

Eva Nell‘s work career consisted of the Zion Cookie Factory, Johnson Motors, Rolling Hills nursing home and finally working at a factory in Amory until she retired. She was of the Christian faith and a member of Smithville Church of Christ.

She was a strong woman who overcame the hurdles in her life, giving God the credit, which enhanced her faith throughout her life. She lived a simple life, yet was determined to meet life on her own terms. She was a good mother to Darryl and enjoyed spoiling her only child.

Eva Nell and her husband, Eugene, were an inseparable couple. They spent a large amount of time gardening and caring for the land they owned. Sadly, Eugene passed away on May 23, 2001. After his death, her life was centered on her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren affectionally gave her the name “Coffee Nana” because she was the grandma who drank a lot of coffee. Being from the North, her grandchildren were always impressed with the amazing comfort food she would prepare for them and continue to talk about it to this very day, wishing they can duplicate it.

People were not surprised to go by her home and see her on the John Deere mower. She took pride in mowing her lawn. She was often found taking long walks down to the waterway so that she could enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

When not outdoors, she could often be found in the house working on a quilt. She also loved to collect tea pots and horse figurines. As she quilted, she would listen to country music, especially that of Conway Twitty and also loved to hear Elvis Presley singing.

Her friends were her family. For many hours, they sat on the porch drinking sweet tea, chatting and catching up with each other. Eva Nell was fortunate to be able to travel. She especially liked to tell about her trips to France, England and Hawaii.

She is survived by her son, Darryl Smith and wife Margaret, Gurnee, IL; grandchildren: Darryl Smith (Heather), Sean Smith (Lori), Nikki Di Bernardo (Anthony), Katie O’Brien (Matt); great-grandchildren: Angie, Alivia, Eva, Chaz, Ryder, Sydney, Shannon and Violet; brother, Dudley Pierce (Peggy); sister-in-laws, Cissy Pierce and Mert Pierce; many nieces and nephews and especially her niece Hilda Johnson (Dwight) who were her greatest supporter.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Engene; brothers: Charles and Dowe Pierce; Sisters: Jessimae, Marcel and Marlen.

Funeral services for Eva Nell Smith will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 29, 2022 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory. Burial will follow in the Turon Cemetery.

Visitation for Mrs. Smith will be from 10:00 AM until the service hour at 11:00 AM.

Please share your condolences and memories with her family at eepicklefuneralhome.com