Gene Holmes Smith, 90, passed away peacefully Monday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Gene was born in Fayetteville, NC to the late George Pierson Holmes and Maggie Jelette Williams. She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Nelson Smith. Gene attended Flora Macdonald College and worked as a secretary before she devoted her life to being a farmer’s wife and mother of four boys. She moved to the Mar Mac area in the mid 60’s and became a devoted member of Providence U.M.C. where she shared her cooking, positive attitude and smile with all. Gene was not one to sit idle and could always be found hard at work, yet she still had enough energy to play a game with her sons and grandchildren. She continued this late into life and found her devoted dog Jack always willing to play in the yard after a productive day at home.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at Providence U.M.C. with Rev. Bryan Sexton and Rev. Arthur Warren officiating. Committal services will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. in the church parlor.
Gene is survived by her sons, Chris Smith and wife, Jessie of Grantham, Nelson Smith and wife, Cindy of Garner, Jeff Smith and wife, Sherry of Mt. Olive, and Clay Smith and wife, Terri of Concord; grandchildren, William and girlfriend, Elisa Torres, Jacob and wife, Jamie, Sarah, Joshua and wife, Julie, Jordan, Grace, and Cooper; and great grandchild, Caleb.
In addition to her husband, Gene was preceded in death by her siblings, Lela Brown, Clara Williford, Alice Brown, Hazel Holt, David Holmes, Pierson Holmes, and Lloyd Holmes.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by Jane Steill, Lisa Coone, Jordan Smith, Sallie Stevens, Joyce Moore, the staff of the Brian Center, Rolling Ridge Assisted Living, Wayne U.N.C. Hospital, and Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be given to the Providence United Methodist Church Nursery. 202 Providence Church Rd., Goldsboro, NC 27530-8973.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Smith family, and on line condolences may be sent to www.shumate-faulk.com
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