Juanita I Smith

Juanita was born on December 19, 1931 to Roland and Bettie Heath Ipock in Ernul, NC. Juanita graduated from Farm Life High School in Vanceboro. She earned her B.S. in Eduation from Meredith College. While earning her Master's at ECU, Juanita met her future husband, John L. Smith. They were married on June 9, 1956 in Ernul. In 1957 John returned to the U.S. Air Force allowing them to enjoy 25 plus years of travel around the world as a consequence of his service to the nation. Upon his retirement, they returned to NC and settled in River Bend. Juanita was a longtime docent at Tryon Palace and she is a past president of the Trent Woods Garden Club. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her husband of 61 plus years, Lt. Col. John L. Smith (USAF, Ret.); her son, Michael D. Smith (MAJ, USA, Ret.) and wife, Joan; her stepdaughter, Donna K. Younker and husband, Larry; and grandchildren, Benjamin T. Smith and Samantha S. Smith.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Cotten Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Lakeside Chapel at Greenleaf Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, friends are welcome to make donations in Juanita's name to the charity of their choice.