Harriet Drake Smith

Harriet Drake Smith, born June 24th, 1940, in Belton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully November 29th, 2025 surrounded by the love of her large and devoted family. She was the cherished daughter of Enoch Frances Drake and Margaret Carter Drake, and one of five siblings who remained close throughout their lives: the late Herbert Drake (Ann), the late Leighton Drake (Judy), Margaret “Peggy” Poole (Barry), Mike Drake (Lucy), and Randy Drake (Marsha).

Family meant everything to Harriet. She was the proud mother of three: David Smith (Michael), Donna Overton (Glenn), and Peggy Jo Samz (Fred). Nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren, whom she loved so much: Julia Kahsar (Alex), Alyssa McSteen (Dylan), Drake Overton (Breanna), Chase Samz, Ellen Samz Wickey (Carter), and Kelly Samz. Harriet’s delight grew with each new generation, welcoming great-grandchildren Preston McSteen, Harrison McSteen, Layton Kahsar, and James Kahsar. Her extended family, including 26 nieces and nephews, and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, were all held close to her heart.

Harriet’s life was a remarkable journey of learning, achievement, and generosity. Raised in the Derita community of Charlotte, North Carolina, she attended North Mecklenburg High School, where she forged friendships that would last a lifetime. In 1957, Harriet married Charlie Smith, beginning a life grounded in love, family, and hard work. Their early years together took them to Northern Virginia, but they soon returned home to Charlotte to raise their children in the community they cherished. Later, Harriet and Charlie made a home at Lake Norman, where they welcomed friends and family for countless visits, shared meals, and joyful days on the water.

Driven by curiosity and a love for learning, Harriet earned a BS in Economics and Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her professional path was both accomplished and impactful. She began working in commercial real estate development and environmental and contracting roles, but found special pride in her work as a paralegal in Charlotte. Harriet played a key role in launching the paralegal program at Central Piedmont Community College and also taught North Carolina Contractor Licensing classes at Mitchell Community College. Later, she joined Wachovia as a Project Manager, a position she valued deeply, retiring in 2005 after years of dedicated service, proud of the many building and internal projects she helped bring to life.

Harriet’s devotion extended well beyond her career. Her love of reading was renowned; she was rarely without a book (or three) nearby and delighted in sharing recommendations. She founded several book clubs, including one that thrived for nearly thirty years, and her passion for literature inspired her deep involvement with public libraries. Harriet gave generously of her time, serving on numerous library boards and spending more than eight years as Chair of the North Carolina Library Commission, where she championed statewide improvements in public library funding. Locally, she contributed her talents to the New Hanover County Library Advisory Board and was honored with an Honorary Membership in the North Carolina Library Association in recognition of her outstanding service.

Harriet’s adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world were truly boundless. She was known to look at an airplane and say, “I don’t care where that plane is going, I just want to be on it.” True to her word, Harriet explored the globe with enthusiasm and wonder. Her travels took her to extraordinary places including Japan, Mongolia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya (including the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro), Tanzania, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland, Austria, Prague, Germany, England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Mexico, all throughout the Caribbean, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Canada, and many more. Each journey was an opportunity for discovery and connection, and Harriet embraced every adventure with her signature warmth, curiosity, and joy.

Music was another lifelong passion of Harriet. A gifted pianist, she found special joy in classical, choral, and operatic music, singing in numerous choirs and community choruses. She especially cherished performing the Christmas Messiah with her daughter Peggy. Harriet was a founding board member of Wilmington Voices, New Hanover County’s professional vocal ensemble, and also served on the board of the Charlotte Ballet Company.

Fifteen years ago, Harriet (affectionately known as “Granny” to her family) moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, to be closer to her children and grandchildren. In Carolina Beach, she discovered a warm, supportive community and became an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, singing in the choir and serving on several committees.

Harriet is also fondly remembered for the many years she joyfully hosted holidays and family gatherings. She loved baking Christmas cookies with her nieces and nephews, attending the Southern Christmas Show, the Singing Christmas Tree, the Nutcracker, and spending long, peaceful days boating on Lake Norman, or relaxing on Bald Head Island. She brought warmth, energy, and encouragement to everyone she met.

Harriet Drake Smith lived a life full of purpose, service, music, and books, but above all, she loved her family. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and generosity touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed.