Jo Ann (Grady) Smith

Jo Ann Grady Smith

Albertson - Jo Ann Grady Smith, 82 passed on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, in her daughter’s home in Ayden, NC. She had been suffering from Diabetes for 50 plus years and Alzheimer’s for 8-10 years.  She was born in Duplin County, Albertson Community on March 31, 1936 to the late Robert Grady and Ethel Mae Kelly Grady. Her husband Jesse Eugene “Gene” Smith predeceased her on March 14, 2011. They were married on August 26, 1955.  She is survived by her daughter Tammy Jo Smith DuBrey and husband Elmer; grandson Kyle Mercer Quinn and wife Paige of Ayden; and grandchildren by marriage Christina DuBrey (Adam) and Stephen DuBrey (Dana) and 5 great-granddaughters. She is also survived by her two brothers of the Albertson Community, Robert Shelton Grady and wife Edna; Theodore “Ted” Kelly Grady and wife Glenda; in-laws Jim Smith of Clayton, George & Martha Smith of Beautancus, and Lillie Jones of Mount Olive; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended community children that she and Gene loved as their own.  Jo Ann was a great mother, grandmother, wife and daughter through out her life.  She attended Flora McDonald College and Campbell College. After marrying Gene, they lived in Fayetteville (USAF) for a short time before going to Campbell College, then returning to Albertson where she worked with her father as the bookkeeper for Grady Store and Supply Company. She also was very involved in her church work, Pleasant View Presbyterian Church of Albertson. Through her church work she served the Church in many capacities - Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Leader, costume creator for Christmas plays and General Assembly Representative for Wilmington Presbytery for the Women of the Presbyterian Church of U.S.A. She was also a Red Cross Volunteer (original school nurses) at B F Grady school and a teacher’s aide with 1st and 2nd grades from 1969 - 1983. When her parents became ill in 1984, she remained a caregiver until their passing. The highlight of her life was being involved in rearing her grandson. She and Gene spent each Monday - Friday in Winterville, NC caring for Kyle, while his mother worked from 1991 - 2006.  Then they  would return back home for the weekend to attend their home church. She always had her bags packed.  Jo Ann and Gene’s world revolved around their daughter and grandson up until their last days on this earth.  She will be missed by all that knew her.  Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Pink Hill Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday April 15, 2018 at the funeral home with burial following at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill. Correspondence with the family can be sent to 522 Old Snow Hill Road, Ayden, NC 28513. Memorials may be made to Pleasant View Presbyterian Church, 4104 N. NC 903 Hwy, P. O. Box 109, Albertson, NC 28508 or your local Alzheimer’s Association Support Group.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jo Ann (Grady) Smith, please visit our floral store.