Lora Janice Nelson Moretz

Lora passed peacefully from this life on the evening of May 8, 2023. As she transitioned home, she was surrounded by her children as they prayed and held her hand. Lora will be remembered for her passion for loving others and her devotion of 22 years to the nursing profession.

Lora was born in Abingdon, Virginia on December 21, 1941, to Larkin and Trula Smith.

She raised her 6 children in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and started her nursing career in 1984.  She enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was known for her faith, playing the piano, cooking for her family, and hosting family gatherings. 

Lora is preceded in death by her parents, Larkin and Trula Smith; her sister, Margaret Smith; and her brother, John Smith.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Janice Nelson, Trudy (Gary) Burkett, and Amanda (Chris K) Smith; her 3 sons, Sonny (Donna) Nelson, Mark (Terri) Nelson, Boyd (Christy) Moretz; her stepdaughter, Lorraine Salyers.  She is also survived by her sister, Terry (Larry) Groseclose; and her brothers, Bobby (Betty) Smith, and Ray (Karen) Smith; her sister-in-law, Alicia Smith; her friend and caregiver, Claire Hall; Her legacy will live on in the lives of her 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service is held at The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. in West Jackson County.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Greenwood Cemetery, in care of Ray Smith 26192 Denton Valley Road. Abingdon, VA  24211.

Share memories, condolences and photos with the family at www.riemannfamily.com