Cora Brockman Smith was born on December 17, 1935, in High Point, North Carolina. The seventh of eleven children born to Robert Enly Brockman, II and Hattie Smith Brockman. Her husband, Carroll Irvin, and oldest son Irvin Demetrius, preceded her in death.

Cora spent most of her life in High Point, with some time in Cleveland, Ohio, with her sisters Magdalene and Emma. Cora graduated from William Penn and attended Guilford Technical Community College and later in life she attended the High Point Branch of Shaw University. She became a licensed insurance agent and loved telling stories of the many people she met on her insurance "route". In those days, insurance agents went house to house to meet and collect from their customers. While visiting one home on her route, Cora was gifted an adorable black and white poodle, named Leroy, that became part of the family for 17 years.

Cora enjoyed talking about the 'days of old' and being the socialite she was. She spoke fondly about the southside community, growing up in Calvary Baptist Church where her father was a deacon, and the lifetime friendships forged. She talked about the Lighthouse Grill, the corner store owned by her brother, her first job at the drugstore on Washington Street, the best school in the world, William Penn and Washington Terrace Park where teens would gather from cities miles away.

Cora was deeply involved in her community and faith. Baptized into the Church of Christ in 1975, Cora was active as a Sunday School teacher, Ladies Bible Class speaker, and advocate for biblical living. She cherished family and community traditions, often hosting Sunday dinners. She cared for her mother for 25 years. Her ability to extend her hospitality was enhanced by 65 years of marriage to her first love, Carroll. He helped care for her mother and later she helped to care for his sister, Martha. She continually opened her home to those that were in need, and in the process "adopted" two youth, Kitz Gayten and Glenn Johnson. There are a host of others who lovingly refer to her as Mother Cora, Mama Cora, Ms. C, and Ladybug.

After retiring from the corporate world, Cora worked with High Point's Elections Board as Chief Judge for over 20 years.

Cora was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Alfred, James and five sisters; Virginia, Helen, Willie. Emma and Magdalene. She leaves to cherish her memories, her son, Barry Wayne (Pamela) and daughter-in-law Thelma Smith. Also, her grandchildren: Anthony Smith (Zina), William Smith (Brittany), LaDonna Coleman (Omar), Demetrius Smith, Collette Smith, Malik Smith, her siblings; Lottie Brockman, Parthenia Brown, Joyce Hairston, Benjamin Brockman and Howard Brockman, 14 great-grandchildren; extended family members and friends who cherish her memory.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.