Virginia Dare Woody Smith age 97, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother passed away peacefully at her home June 19, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Born to Newlon and Vader Brown Woody in Lee County on January 8, 1929, Virginia was one of three daughters who spent their years growing up on a farm in Eli Whitney. She was born the year of the Great Depression, so from her early years she was taught the meaning of family, faith and hard work, as she toiled in cotton and tobacco fields with her father.

Virginia was preceded by her devoted husband of sixty-seven years, Joseph A. Smith, and her precious granddaughter, Tina Renee Smith. She was also preceded by her two sisters, Laverne Madden of Graham and Edith Lloyd of Eli Whitney, with whom she shared countless laughs through the years.

She is survived by her son, Lee Smith (Candace) of Siler City and daughter, Teresa Piezzo (Larry) of Pittsboro; three grandchildren: Joey Smith (Andrea), Matthew Davis of Siler City and Brent Davis (Jerraca) of Sanford. She was known and loved as Mamaw Gina by her great grandchildren: Rylee Sheffield, Lincoln Davis, Grady Davis and Baker Davis. Special extended family include Blake Dixon, Aubree Wilson and Stratton Barwick. Virginia cherished her many nieces and nephews as well as her sister-in-law Frances Smith.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Mt. Vernon Global Methodist Church on Wednesday June 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the service. A private burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Rev. Jadon Olsen will officiate the service with special words given by nephew, Rev. Mike Smith. Special music will be provided by the Choir with Pianist Rodney Cheek along with Danielle Ingle and Jordan Pickett.

Virginia was a devoted and faithful member of Mt. Vernon Methodist Church, joining the choir in song each and every Sunday and various Women’s Group activities. She served in various roles both in the church and the Silk Hope community. She was well known for her love and talent with flowers as a floral designer at Flynt’s Florist for many years. She proudly helped her friends and customers with their weddings and funeral needs, many times working seven days per week if needed. She also mentored several young women with their floral talents as they worked together.

Virginia leaves a legacy of love for her family and friends. Even in her later years, her crafty humor and ability to bring a smile to others was ever present. She was always busy with her hands, cooking, quilting, gardening and canning her own vegetables. She was among the first to carry a meal to a friend in need or make a flower arrangement to simply brighten someone’s day. She worked tirelessly to help others, her church and her family. She never put herself first, a woman with true Christian values.

The family would like to recognize the staff of Piedmont Health Senior Care for their exceptional care, as well as the in-home aides who assisted her.

As desired, memorial donations may be made to Mt. Vernon Global Methodist Church Building Fund, 3631 Mt. Vernon-Hickory Mtn. Road, Siler City, North Carolina, 27344.

From Psalms 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of Life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Smith-Buckner Funeral Home is proudly serving the Smith family.