Hilda Holland Smith

Hilda Janette (Holland) Smith, 92, of Raleigh, North Carolina, completed her earthly journey on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her residence and entered eternity to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hilda was born at home in Mount Olive, Wayne County, North Carolina, on September 29, 1933. She was the daughter of the late James Clinton and Ethel (Keen) Holland. She married her beloved husband, Arthur Junior Smith, on December 29, 1951, in Dillon, South Carolina. While her husband was away at war and during his military service, she supported her family and exemplified unwavering strength, loyalty, and resilience. Hilda also dedicated over 20 years of service to Contel Telephone Corporation before her retirement.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Junior Smith; her daughter, Sandra Gail Vinson; her son, Arthur Randall Smith; her brother, Bill Holland; her sister, Elnora Best; her granddaughter, Tricia Smith; and her very special friend, Alice Shattuck.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Ricky Ann (David) Shattuck of the home; her sister, Janet Brockett of Ponte Vedra, FL; her brother, Earl Holland (Joyce) of Fuquay Varina, NC; her sister in law, Lillie Holland of Dudley, NC; her nine grandchildren: David B. Vinson (Elizabeth) of Howe, OK; Russell Vinson (Amber) of Clayton, NC; David N. Shattuck (Julia) of Cary, NC; Timothy Romero (Jaimi) Morrison IL; Danny Shattuck (Rebecca) of Cary, NC; Shane Smith (Rita) of Ridgecrest, CA; and Sandi King (Michael) Brownsburg IL. She is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, 2 grand dogs Simon and Bella, and her beloved cat, Kiki who never left her side.

Hilda was a beacon of strength always putting the needs of others before her own. Her unwavering dedication to her family and friends was unmatched. She had a special way of making everyone feel loved and cared for, and her home was always open, filled with laughter and warmth. Her legacy of kindness and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, dear mother, grandmother, and friend; you will be deeply missed and eternally remembered.

The family will hold a celebration of life on Sunday, March 29th at The Franklin at Crossroads Clubhouse at 2 pm, located at 6010 Attleboro Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.