Nellie Ann Smith, 87, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Carteret Health Care.
A memorial service to honor Nellie’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Chaplain Wesley Holmes. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather at her home for a time of fellowship and remembrance.
Nellie was born on October 28, 1938, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Jeter and Myrtle Jones. A faithful and devoted woman, she worshiped at Grace Baptist Church and lived out her faith through a life of service to others. She dedicated more than 40 years to nursing, touching countless lives with her compassion, steady presence, and gentle spirit.
Her servant’s heart was perhaps most evident in the devoted care she gave her beloved husband during several years of declining health. With patience, strength, and unwavering love, she faithfully cared for him until his passing. Her quiet dedication during that season reflected the depth of her commitment and love to their 62 years of marriage, as well as the strength of her character.
Nellie was a gifted cook, especially known for her sourdough bread and beloved pumpkin bread. The holidays were her favorite time of year — filled with warmth, family gatherings, and tables overflowing with food and love. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her precious dogs were constant companions, and Vinnie held a particularly special place in her heart.
Creative and thoughtful, Nellie enjoyed scrapbooking, crocheting, and knitting, lovingly crafting handmade treasures and memories for her family to cherish. She lived with a servant’s heart, always putting others before herself. Nellie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and nurturing love that she shared so freely with everyone she met.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Mark Smith (Laurie) of Davis, NC, and David Smith (Susan) of Smithfield, VA; her brothers, David Jones (Rhinna) of South Hill, VA, and John Jones (Melva) of Richmond, VA; her grandchildren, Zackary Smith, Joshua Smith, Rebecca Smith, Abigail Smith, Ashley Smith (Hunter), and Ryan Smith; and her great-grandchildren, Wade and Weston Smith.
In addition to her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Weston Smith Jr., who passed away in November 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saving Grace Animals for Adoption, P.O. Box 1649, Wake Forest, NC 27588.
Family and friends are welcome to share condolences online at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2112 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557

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