Linda Grady Smith

Linda Grady Smith of the Oak Ridge Community near Mt. Olive died Friday, October 13, 2023 at the age of 78.  She was born on May 1, 1945 in Goldsboro, NC to John and Pauline Grady and grew up with her brother Donald and sister Beverly at the family homeplace in Mt. Olive.  Linda was a life-long member of Bethel Methodist Church.

Linda graduated from East Duplin High School in 1963 and Campbell University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  She later earned a master’s degree and six-year degree in school administration from East Carolina University.  Linda began her professional career in Duplin County Public Schools in 1973 as a classroom teacher at Rose Hill Magnolia School.  She later transferred to North Duplin Elementary School.  After several years teaching children, she became an Assistant Principal at North Duplin.  From there, she moved to the Central Office to work as an assistant in the federal programs and later as Director of Federal Programs and Pre-K.  Linda loved working with her co-workers and the children of Duplin County Schools.  Her love, dedication and commitment was evident in her leadership.  For 41 years, Linda was a voice for all the children.

Linda was married to Lewis Garland Smith on May 15,1965.  They shared 41 wonderful years together.  Linda and Lewis had two children, one grandson and a great-grandson.  Her family was everything to her.  She showed her support with her love and attendance at various activities.

Linda’s husband Lewis, her parents John and Pauline, and brother Donald preceded her in death.  She is survived by her two children; daughter, Carla Williamson and husband Johnny of Pink Hill; son, Kevin Smith and wife Wendy of Mt. Olive; grandson, Blayden Howard of Kinston and great-grandson Braylen Howard of Pink Hill.

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sister, Beverly Grady Brown of Summerville, SC and sister-in-law, Rebecca F. Grady of Sarasota, TX and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service to remember her life will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Wayne Memorial Park in Goldsboro.  Friends and family may visit her family at the homeplace.  Flowers are welcome or memorial gifts may be sent to Bethel Methodist Church, c/o Meredith McClenny of 240 Jones Turner Rd., Mt. Olive, NC 28365.

Linda’s family extends a heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Chad Kornegay, Dr. John Kornegay, ECU Vidant Home Health Hospice and the staff at Kitty Askins Hospice Center for their exemplary care and support.  A special thank-you to her caregivers Ann Thompson and Gaynelle Carmack who gave her the opportunity to remain in her home for many months.  A very special thank you goes to Gayle Joyner for her love, support, and friendship over the years.  She was always there for Linda and her family. Linda will be greatly missed.

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