Virginia Smith Easterbrooks, 81, founded Colby's

Virginia "Jenny" Smith Easterbrooks died April 15 at her home in Duck, N.C. A former longtime resident of South Salem, N.Y., she and her husband, Colby Easterbrooks, established Colby’s decorating in Ridgefield. The couple retired to Duck in 1982.

Mrs. Easterbrooks was born Sept. 28, 1920, in Dunn, N.C., the daughter of the late Lena Leggett Smith and Clarence James Smith. She graduated from Dunn High School and St. Mary’s College in Raleigh, N.C. She worked with her mother at the family’s Avamere Hotel in Virginia Beach where she met her future husband, then a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Little Creek, Va. They were married on Sept. 5, 1944 in Virginia Beach.

After the war, the couple moved to South Salem and established Colby’s, a linens and decorating business. The business continues today.

Jenny Easterbrooks is survived by her son, George Southworth Easterbrooks of Duck; two daughters and sons-in-law: Susan Smith and her husband Louis T. Enos of South Salem, and Margaret Colby and her husband Michael Reim of Louisville, Col.; a sister, Margaret S. Knight and her husband Eugene of Raleigh; and a brother, Clarence J. Smith Jr. of Virginia Beach. Also surviving are grandchildren Jesse R. Reim of Louisville, Shane C. McMahon and Laura B. Enos of New York City; Frederick L. Enos of Akersberga, Sweden, and his daughters Julia and Jenny.

Mrs. Easterbrooks was predeceased by her husband in 1986, and her sister, Ida Smith McKimmon of Raleigh.She was an active member of the Bayberry Bluffs Civic Association and the Duck Woods Country Club. She was an avid golfer and bridge player, and especially enjoyed the beach at Duck.

A memorial service will be held on April 19 at the Duck United Methodist Church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Hospice Special Fund c/o Albemarle Home Care, Seagate Shopping Center, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948.