Kenly resident, 61-year-old Marilyn Gomez, was one of two people killed by the storms, when a tornado ripped through the Kenly home she shared with her husband.
More than 100 people packed the chapel at the Coley Funeral Home Thursday night to pay their final respects to Gomez.
Some knew her well, some hardly at all, but everyone knew Gomez was a good cook with a contagious smile.
"I think it was Mrs. Gomez's laugh, the way she smiled, she was always happy," Ronnie Bridges said.
It's the good times family and friends try to focus.
Gomez's husband, Argiro Gomez says it's the community's prayers that have seen him though this tough time.
"Of all the houses that were destroyed ours was the only one destroyed completely and only one person died and that was my wife," he said. "I feel disappointed --no-- I feel glad for her, she is in a better place than we are. I'm going to miss her a lot; we were together 24 years we married for 22. The prayers give you the strength to take every day one day at a time."
Argrio Gomez granted /*Eyewitness News*/ an exclusive interview earlier this week. He described how he felt when he found out his wife of 22 years had died in the storm.
"They said, 'I'm sorry to tell you that Maryland passed away'," Gomez explained. "So I asked him was she hurt. He said, 'Not even a scratch.' I said, 'Thank God!"
He is out of the hospital and living with his neighbors who are in a temporary home because their home was also destroyed.
The other victim was 11-year-old Joshua Wiggins of Elm City. His classmates and teachers are still coping with his death.
Wiggins' funeral is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Wilson.
