Kayla Susan Smith

Kayla Susan Smith, 36 of Kinston, passed away on November 22, 2025 at ECU Health with her loving family by her side. Kayla was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Easter Smith, Rupert Turner and Doris Bell. She is survived by her Daddy, Ronnie Smith, of Deep Run, her Momma, Susan Turner Smith, of Kinston, her three children Felix, Biatrice and Zane of the home, their father, John Williams, sisters Ashley Lewis (Joshua) of Vanceboro, Lauren Smith (Erick) of Deep Run, brother Ron Smith of New York, nieces and nephews Turner, Rex, Alice, Walter, Lucy, Emery and Mary Emma, her church family, several special aunts, uncles and cousins, many wonderful friends and neighbors and her furry companions Shadow Bear, Kate and Binky.

They say the DASH represents your life, and her DASH was much too short. She was only 36 with three small children and so much love to give. Kayla was born on April 21, 1989 on a beautiful spring day, an indication of the beauty she would bring into the world. She always found beauty in everything and everyone. She was always hugging and complimenting everyone she met on their hair, eyes, clothes or anything to bring a smile to their face. She was literally, "a horse of a different color," with her beautiful red hair, bright blue eyes, porcelain skin, and a very caring and loving nature. A cousin once said she had the purest heart of anyone they knew, and as a child she always loved to sing, run and dance in the rain. Her children were her pride and joy, and she loved them beyond measure. She fought so hard to survive and prayed that she would be able to raise them. Kayla loved all her family very much including her nieces and nephews, all of whom she had a special bond with. She loved making things for them and enjoyed watching movies, playing video games and doing crafts with them. She was always kissing and hugging on her Daddy, loving on her Momma and telling her she was beautiful. Her sisters and brother were very close to her heart. She thought about their health and wanted the very best for them always. She was known for always saying "Be Safe."

Kayla served her country as a mechanic and soldier in the Army National Guard for over 10 years, acquiring the rank of SFC E4. She was deployed to Kuwait from 2011-2012 and served in the "Operation Enduring Freedom" campaign where she received several medals and recognitions.

Kayla loved to draw and doodle at an early age. She was very talented and could draw or paint anything which led to her career in art. She won Best of Show at the county fair with her paintings several times. Kayla loved animals, especially dogs and was constantly bringing one home. She also had a "pet" spider that she allowed to stay in a corner of her home. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. She won Best of Show for an avocado tree that she grew from a seed at the county fair. Kayla loved playing sports. In 1999 her Babe Ruth softball all-star team, coached by her Momma, went further than any other prior team had gone and was the first to go to the World Series. They climbed their way through the district tournament and were undefeated champs, state runner ups, World Series runner ups and received the Sportsmanship award. She played a mean first base and tagged out many players from all over the country attempting to turn in.

Kayla graduated from South Lenoir High School and went on to earn several degrees from Lenoir Community College including Criminal Justice, Automotive, Horticulture, Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology and Digital Photography and Design. Kayla had several businesses including KK's Creation Cocoon, Mary Kay and her current business, KSS Inventive. Kayla attended and was a member of Rivermont Holiness Church where she was recently baptized. She loved her church family tremendously. Kayla is loved very much and will be greatly missed by so many.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help with expenses.