Grace Howell Smith

Goldsboro - Grace Howell Smith, 90, of the Belfast Community, died Sunday, April 6, 2008 at Wayne Memorial Hospital. A native of Wayne County, she was born June 26, 1917, the daughter of the late Oscar Jarman Howell and Maude Sally Scott Howell and was the widow of John Lee Smith. She was a charter member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women.

Mrs. Smith was a devout Christian who lived by those values and generously gave of herself in love and service throughout her life. Occupationally, she was a retired teacher with the Head Start Program of Wayne County.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine Street, Goldsboro. Rev. David Harvin will officiate. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her son, John Marshall Smith and wife, Lou Ann Bryan of Goldsboro; daughters, Linda Smith Ervin and husband, Michael of Durham, Barbara Smith Herring and husband, Steve of Clayton, and Catherine Smith West and husband, Fred of Mills River, NC. Survivors also include her sister, Nancy Howell Graham of Mt. Ulla, N. C.; brothers, Admiral G. Howell of Goldsboro and William S. Howell and wife Molly of Wilmington; sister-in-law, Frances Howell of Goldsboro; grandchildren, John F. Ervin and wife Hoa, Emily C. West, Michael S. Herring, Meredith Smith McElmurry and husband Nathan, and Leslie West Buckner and husband Michael; step-son, Christopher Buckner; great-grandchildren, Bridgette and Benjamin Ervin.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a brother, O. J. Howell, Jr.

The family request that memorials be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine St., Goldsboro, NC 27530, Salem United Methodist Church Joy Club, 2706 Salem Church Rd., Goldsboro, NC 27530 or American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 or the charity of one’s choice.

An expression of appreciation is extended by the family to the staff of Goldsboro Medical Clinic, Britthaven of Goldsboro, Sterling House of Goldsboro, Community Home Care and Hospice and Wayne Memorial Hospital for their kind attention and service provided Mrs. Smith. Also a similar expression is made for the many contacts made by family members and friends.

The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Arrangements are with Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.