Teresa Olivia Hairston Smith, 76 of Walnut Cove, NC passed Monday, April 7, 2025. Public viewing will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Perry Spencer Funeral Home, Madison, NC. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025 at New London Baptist Church, 812 Broad St., Walnut Cove, NC with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Walnut Cove, NC.

It is with profound sorrow we bid farewell to a beloved mother and grandmother, Ms. Teresa Olivia Hairston Smith, affectionately known by her family and friends as “Tree”. Teresa gained her wings on April 7, 2025. She was born to the late Dorothy Mae Hairston on August 7, 1948 in Stokes County.

She attended Stokes County, graduating from London High Class of 1966. She retired from RJ Reynolds after more than 40 years of hard work and dedication. After retirement she then worked as a caregiver for several years before working at Walnut Cove Senior Center until 2016. She was on the usher board and member of New London Progressive Primitive Baptist Church. “Tree” was heavily known for her kindness, humbleness and her big heart that touched so many lives. She will forever be remembered for her love for traveling, cooking, hosting, spending time with her family, the Tarheels, the Carolina Panthers and serving the Lord to the fullest.

“Tree” was preceded in death by her son; Darwin “Chico” Smith, grandparents, Eleanor & Burley Hairston, her 2 sisters, Elinor “Lulu” Hairston, Linda Hairston, and 3 aunts, Shirley Hairston, Paige Duncan and Alma Mitchell.

She leaves to cherish her memories: 2 daughters, Monica Smith and Shanna Smith of Walnut Cove, NC, son; Bradley Smith (Kristy) of Rural Hall, NC. Dorothy Mae Hairston “Poocat” (niece), Malcom Hairston (nephew), Shakela Smith (granddaughter) and Ra’Shaun Smith (grandson), whom she raised. Her other grands of 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Three sisters; Gail Harkins (Roosevelt) of Pickensville, AL. Robyn Dalton (Troy) and Charlotte Wadelington (Rev. Arthur) both of Walnut Cove, NC, brother; Brian “Keith” Hairston (Brenda) of Kernersville, NC, 2 aunts; Jennie Hairston of Kernersville, NC and Phyllis Sapp (Sam) of Walnut Cove, NC, 3 uncles; William Hairston of Winston Salem, NC, Burley Hairston (Brenda) and Joe Hairston both of Walnut Cove, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.