Della Smith

Della M. Gilliland Smith departed to her heavenly home on August 25, 2020 at Clapp’s Nursing Center in Pleasant Garden. She was born in Randolph County on March 14, 1931 to Rufus King and Missouri Gilliland. She was one of ten children. Della was raised in Bennett and graduated from Bennett High School. Upon graduation, she moved to Ramseur and went to work at McCrary Hosiery Mill so she could continue playing basketball. On December 22, 1951, she married the late Charles B. Smith and moved to the family farm on the Chatham/Randolph County line. After the birth of her children, she went to work as a child nutrition specialist at Henry Siler School and then Siler City Elementary where she retired once her grandchildren finished school. After retirement, she returned home to “just love” her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her grandson, Geoffrey Smith (Lisa Scott), of the home; sons, Glenn R. Smith (Kaye), of Kernersville and Wayne Smith (Denise) of Siler City; special friend, Audrey Causey, of Siler City; grandchildren: Kim Kitchings (Chip), Kim Smith and Brittany Owens (Ben); great-grandchildren: Corey Newby, Gracelyn Kitchings, Zane Crumpler, Wrenn Smith, Kayden Crumpler, Chase Kitchings, Caroline Kitchings, Scarlett Owens, and Maverick Owens; and several nieces and nephews.

The graveside service and entombment will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Rehobeth UMC in Ramseur, with the Rev. Scott Faw officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Corey Newby, Zane Crumpler, Wrenn Smith, Kayden Crumpler, Chase Kitchings, and Maverick Owens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Rehobeth UMC Cemetery Fund, C/O Darden Jarman, 3165 West Third St., Siler City, NC 27344.

Condolences may be offered online at www.joycebradychapel.com.

Joyce-Brady Chapel is honored to serve the Smith Family.