JANE PARKER SMITH
March 10, 1931-Oct. 16, 2016
Jane Agnes Parker Smith passed away quietly Oct. 16, 2016, in Springmoor Retirement Community in Raleigh.
She was born in Goldsboro, N.C., March 10, 1931, the second of three children born to the late Jane Agnes McAdams Parker and Talbot Fort Parker Sr.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Whitfield “Bill” Smith; sons, Fort Talbot Smith and Thomas McAdams “Tom” Smith; and sister, Matilda Eunice Parker Thrasher.
Jane graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1948, Salem College in 1950 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1952.
She worked briefly at Duke Hospital and as a school teacher in Durham before returning to Goldsboro to continue her teaching career at William Street School until she began to raise a family.
Jane is survived by her children, William Whitfield “Whit” Smith Jr. and wife, Alison, of Atlanta, Alexander Parker “Sandy” Smith and wife, Alicia, of Raleigh and Mariah Smith Malik of Raleigh; grandchildren, Jordan Smith Malik, Alexander Parker “Alex” Smith Jr., Aurora Jane “Rory” Smith and Elspeth Fiona Smith; and devoted family friend, Carrie Mae Faison.
She is also survived by a brother, Dr. Talbot Fort “Tod” Parker Jr. and wife, Elizabeth, of Waynesville.
She was dedicated to her family, and enjoyed being involved in the lives of her children and, more recently, her grandchildren.
She was an accomplished pianist and watercolor artist. Her joy from painting led her to the Watercolor Society of North Carolina and teaching with the Arts Council of Wayne County, as well as in Mount Olive and in Carteret County. Her artwork has been, and still is, enjoyed by many.
Her many other interests included sailing, bridge club, travel, relaxing at the coast and family gatherings.
Jane was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Goldsboro.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Goldsboro at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016.
The family will receive friends in the church’s activity center following the service.
The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at Springmoor Stewart Health Center and to special caregiver, Helen Cogdell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Goldsboro, 1101 E. Ash St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530, and the Arts Council of Wayne County, 102 N. John St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on October 19, 2016 10:26 AM