- Date Of Birth: June 17, 1935
- Date Of Death: March 1, 2014
- State: North Carolina
Mrs. Thelma Faison Smith, affectionately known as “Tracy,” of 403 Hamilton Drive transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, North Carolina, while surrounded by her loving family.
Mrs. Smith was born June 17, 1935 in Wayne County and was reared in the home of her grandparents, James and Sylvia Godwin Faison. Her mother, Nelta Faison, and she were, as well as her nine brothers and sisters, a part of a special bonding that created unity and a strong love of family, commitment to its survival, and the sharing of its successes and failures.
After 33 years of classroom teaching, she completed her Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling and served as a Guidance Counselor for the next seven years at Goldsboro High School and Belfast Academy. She was instrumental in helping the Goldsboro High School graduating class of 1994 receive a million dollars in scholarships. It was important to her to help every child who had the desire to go to college to find ways and means for them to get there.
In 1996, Mrs. Smith ran for public office and won a seat on the Wayne County Board of Education. She remained a faithful and dedicated member of the Wayne County Board of Education until her death.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond E. Smith, Sr.
Mrs. Thelma Faison Smith leaves to cherish her rich and loving legacy: her son, Raymond E. Smith, Jr. (Cortrina); four grandchildren, Christopher, Tracy, Ashley and Myles Raymond; two great grandchildren, Krystina and Rhyan.
Mrs. Smith will lie in state on Friday, March 7, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm with the family being present for an inspirational wake beginning at 6:00 pm. at St. James AME Zion Church, 203 S. George Street, Goldsboro, NC. The family will be receiving friends at other times at the home of Mrs. Smith, 403 Hamilton Drive, Goldsboro, NC.
Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends Inc.
C/O Thelma Smith Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 1051
Goldsboro, North Carolina 27533
