THELMA FAISON SMITH
June 17, 1935-March 1, 2014
Mrs. Thelma Faison Smith, affectionately known as "Tracy," 403 Hamilton Drive, transitioned from labor to reward Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, N.C., while surrounded by her loving family.
Mrs. Smith was born June 17, 1935, in Wayne County, and was reared in the home of her grandparents, James and Sylvia Godwin Faison.
Her mother, Nelta Faison, and she were, as well as her nine brothers and sisters, a part of a special bonding that created unity and a strong love of family, commitment to its survival and the sharing of its successes and failures.
After 33 years of classroom teaching, she completed her master's degree in guidance counseling, and served as a guidance counselor for the next seven years at Goldsboro High School and Belfast Academy.
She was instrumental in helping the Goldsboro High School graduating class of 1994 receive $1 million in scholarships. It was important to her to help every child who had the desire to go to college to find ways and means for them to get there.
In 1996, Mrs. Smith ran for public office, and won a seat on the Wayne County Board of Education. She remained a faithful and dedicated member of the Wayne County Board of Education until her death.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond E. Smith Sr.
Mrs. Thelma Faison Smith leaves to cherish her rich and loving legacy her son, Raymond E. Smith Jr. (Cortrina); four grandchildren, Christopher, Tracy, Ashley and Myles Raymond; and two great-grandchildren, Krystina and Rhyan.
Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Love Temple, 201 N. Oak Forest Road, Goldsboro, N.C. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, U.S. 117, Goldsboro. Pastor Dwight Cannon will deliver the eulogy and pastor Ronald Miller will preside.
Mrs. Smith will lie in state Friday, March 7, 2014, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with the family being present for an inspirational wake beginning at 6 p.m., at St. James AME Zion Church, 203 S. George St., Goldsboro, N.C.
The family will be receiving friends at other times at the home of Mrs. Smith, 403 Hamilton Drive, Goldsboro, N.C.
Funeral service is being handled by Stevens Funeral Home LLC, 1820 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy., Wilson, N.C.
Any condolences may be posted at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhome.com or faxed to 252-991-5849.
Any questions pertaining to the funeral services for Mrs. Thelma Faison Smith can be directed to Stevens Funeral Home, 252-991-5843.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 2, 2014 9:24 AM