Eileen Joan Smith

Eileen Joan McDowall Smith

Eileen Joan McDowall Smith, died at home on Saturday, November 10, 2012, after a fierce battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Kenneth; sons, Kenneth James and Ian; and her sister, Estelle Jamison and her husband Barney. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Jolly and Mollie Anderson McDowall. Joan was born in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. After a pioneering career in personnel work in Belfast, she came to America in 1970 to get married. When the children arrived she felt it was essential to stay at home during their formative years. When they were both in school, Joan became a member of the PTA and was Junior Warden at St. Anne's Parish. She discovered her vocation was selling but she had to believe in the product. She never realized how good she was at it, but her employers did. Her passion in early life was horses and this was transferred to the family with her indomitable spirit in defense and promotion of her extended family. The family wishes to thank Dr. Stefan Gorsch and the team at Hope, Dr. Denise Williams and the team at SAFP, everyone at the Hospice of the Piedmont and all friends who have called and sent food. A memorial service in celebration of Joan's life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012, at Christ Church, Glendower.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.