Shirley Hurtt Smith

Shirley H. Smith passed away on November 19, 2023, surrounded by her children in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Born to T.G. and Bernice Hurtt on July 22, 1934, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Shirley’s life was filled with love, faith and family.

She met the love of her life, Graham Smith, in St. Pauls, North Carolina, and was married to him for 60 years. Predeceased by her husband, Shirley relocated to Myrtle Beach where she lived near her sister, Jean Davis, who she lost in July, 2023. She was predeceased by her grandson, Stuart Smith, in 2022.

Shirley was always elegant and friendly, with a kind heart. Whatever she did, she gave it her all. She was devoted to her family and their wholesome farm life in Tolarsville, North Carolina. As a testament to Shirley and Graham’s values, their family was named a USDA Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Farm Family of the Year in 1960.

In addition to raising her three children, she was a beloved secretary for St. Pauls High School where she was respected and appreciated by students, parents, teachers and administrators. She was committed to her church, Tolarsville Baptist Chuch, serving as long-time Vacation Bible School director, choir member, and numerous other roles. Her relationship with Jesus guided her life.

She is survived by her children, Walter Graham Smith Jr., Judith “Judy” Smith (Mallard “Mal” Owen) and Steven “Stevie” Smith; brother Tatnall Hurtt (Bonnie); grandsons Seth Smith (fiancé Lightning) and Joshua Smith (Tasmon); and great grandchildren Easton, Stratton and Sayda Smith; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Her life will be celebrated at Tolarsville Baptist Church, 5521 Tolarsville Road, St. Pauls, NC 28384, on Friday, November 24, 2023. All who knew and loved her are invited to a visitation at 10:00 am followed by her “celebration of life” service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to the “Tolarsville Baptist Church Cemetery Fund”, and mailed to Tolarsville Baptist Church, PO Box 558, St. Pauls, NC 28384.

Funeral Services will be streamed live on the McNeill Legacy Funeral Home Facebook page.

A celebration will be planned for her friends at Covenant Towers in Myrtle Beach at a future date.