On February 6, 2010, a beautiful rose was picked from God's Earthly garden to live and
dwell in Heaven in the Presence of the Lord for Eternity.
         Ronnett Alicia Smith-McCorkell was born on January 17, 1974 in
Washington, DC in the midst of a chaotic snowstorm. She was the only child born to
Jackie Smith and Ronnie Mudd. She was the only grandaughter of Joyce
Smith-Jackson and the niece of Jill Sheridan. She was raised in Raleigh, North
Carolina. She attended and graduated Millbrook High School with the class of 1991.
     In 1993, Ronnett relocated to Pennsylvania to live with her husband, Richard
McCorkell.. She became the daughter-in-law to Valeria McCorkell and sister-in-law to
Patricia Hoffman. On March 20, 1994, they gave birth to their only son, Adrian
McCorkell.
     She held a position at BOC Gases in New Jersey from 1997-2005 as a customer
service representative. In 2005, her family moved back to the South and settled into a
new home in Angier, North Carolina. Ronnett became a business analyst for Talecris
Biotherapeutics in Research Triangle Park between the years of 2006-2010.
     Ronnett has been a blessing to us all in her short time with us. She has left an
everlasting imprint upon the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In Memory and Dedication to:
Ronnett A. Smith - McCorkell
1974-2010
( My beloved Chocolate Funk Bunny)

~My Eulogy to my beloved, given at Ronnett's Funeral~
February 2010


As Jackie, my mother in law, and my son, Adrian and I sat at the table in Jackie’s kitchen planning all the formalities
for Ronnett’s ceremonies and events due to her passing….I noticed a decorative plaque on the wall that had these
commanding words……...
'LIVE WELL….LOVE MUCH….LAUGH OFTEN'

Through all the tears, it became very apparent to me that Ronnett  had existed in that fashion. A small cliché
motto…that could sum up….if only a little…the tone of Ronnett’s disposition in her very short-lived  life.

‘LIVE WELL’

Ronnett was a petite gorgeous woman. Small in stature…..but huge in desires, goals, and aspirations.
She had a strong work ethic with every attention to detail in her work and, also, in her play.
She was a scholar of life, and a true intellectual…constantly growing in her knowledge about a multitude of interests.
Some complex and deep in comprehension…. and others just simply on subjects that made life more special and
meaningful. She would literally read 4-5 books at a time….soaking them all in….taking notes on paper and in her
mind…with unique understanding and remembrance. Reading was her passion. I can still see her rubbing the top
corner of a book, letting the pages ripple across her thumb….as she so intently read.
It was of the many sensuous behaviors I had the priveledge to witness and that I will sorely miss.

She loved cooking for her family on both informal and grand occasions. She appreciated good cuisine, exquisite
dining, and fine wine. She knew how to celebrate life, she loved all types of music, her favorite flower was a simple
yellow rose. She Loved Football.

Fashion to her, was a necessity…not an option. Her passion for high -heeled shoes ,a passion that she shared with
her mother, bordered on fanatical…..as my wallet can attest to. Her favorite color was purple. She both loved the
domestic repose of an evening at home…but also loved to swim in the city lights of a ‘night out‘. When we would go
out with friends, I would find myself in awe of this beautiful creature when she would respond to somebody’s passing
comment on some arcane subject out of the blue. But, never in a pretentious way…but with humility and just the
simple connection of conversation. But as she spoke, you could see the wealth of knowledge behind her words.
Sometimes, I would ask myself “when did she learn about that?’…..she was a constant joy, surprise…and a source of
pride.

‘LOVE MUCH’

Ronnett was very careful to those she let into her personal life. If you managed to break through that wall of
discernment…you were very fortunate indeed. I had the utmost honor of being chosen by her to be her most intimate
partner in life. She loved me and wanted to be with me as her husband…and for that, I truly have no words to
express how that makes me feel. She loved her family dearly…in her own unique way. When our son, Adrian was
born, her feelings of love expanded beyond comprehension and also the unconditional love that returned to her from
her son…she would receive in abundance. Ronnett touched so many peoples lives…through business relationships,
friendship, her many charities she had been  involved with over the years. …the list is long and many. One of the
most precious moments I will remember about her from her last weeks with us….was when the terrible tragedy
happened in Haiti. Now, understand…Ronnett was very sick…in so many physical aspects…some she wasn’t even
aware of , yet.  She was, as we all were, watching the drama unfold because of the earthquake that rocked that
country.
She saw a quick glimpse on the news, of a little girl…orphaned …alone….terrified. Something about this particular
little girl connected with Ronnett’s heart. And, even amidst all that pain and discomfort that Ronnett was feeling…she
called out to God in reverence and compassion…and said out loud ….”Whatever blessings I have, Lord…take from
me….and give to this girl.” Now, that is LOVE…and that is the love from God channeling through her….across the
miles...to someone she never met. That is who Ronnett IS in the sweet context of love and caring.


‘LAUGH OFTEN’

As my son and I were grieving together…and experiencing all the roller coaster of emotions that came with her
passing….we began the process and the sacred loving rituals of moving forward…. Between the tears and
sorrow…there was laughter…..always. Because in our household, there was an abundance of laughter….good-
hearted…wholesome…warm laughter….soft embraces and passionate hugs….and again, more laughter. Even in the
midst of the trials and tribulations of marriage and the more uncomfortable aspects of raising a son….at the end of
the day…there was joy, forgiveness, growing…and beautiful laughter. Ronnett had an impeccable sense of humor….
that was so subtle….quick…..and perfect. Ronnett and I woke together EVERY morning with a smile on both of our
faces as we looked at each other…a trend not often found after being married for many years…but, to both of our
surprise, a sense of joy and excitement was always there to greet us. …no matter how hard we tried to mess that
up…there was laughter.

'LIVE WELL….LOVE MUCH….LAUGH OFTEN'

In closing, I know within the deepest confines of my heart, that God would never place a weak spirit in a weak body.
Ronnett, as she grew older…had a weakened body….bombarded by unwanted ailments and infirmities. But, as
those who know her can attest…she was NOT a weak spirit….but, a strong entity with a charismatic personality and
charm….and a spirit that was alive and vibrant.

Ronnett was my wife, my best friend, my lover, and the mother to my miraculous son. These are but a few labels that
describe her on the surface….because she was a deep mystery, a joy and an adventure… that I had the utmost
privilege to experience and be a part of…in my life.