Margie H. Smedley

Margie H. Smedley, an adventurous and free-spirited soul, passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on June 16, 1935, in Orrum, North Carolina, Margie spent most of her life in Swansboro, North Carolina, where she dedicated twenty-five years of service to the Onslow County School System where she was known as the “Ice Cream Lady” to many elementary school children.

Margie is survived by her loving daughter, Cynthia (Cyndi) Natusch, and her husband, Robert; her loving son, Hank Furry (Hanky), and his wife, Kelli (deceased); her cherished grandchildren, J. Jason Thomas (deceased); Lindsay Wentz; Landon Furry; and Kali Vanderpool, and her husband, Rob; great-grandchildren, T.J. Wentz; and, Savannah Wentz; her sibling, Jennie Britt; and many loving family members and close friends. Her deceased brothers, Linwood Hedgepeth and Daniel Wynn Hedgepeth as well as her deceased father, Joseph Hedgepeth and deceased mother, Marie Hedgepeth, provided a loving and warm family.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Retired USMC MSgt. Harry Lind Furry (Big Hank), father of her children; and her second husband, Retired USMC MGySgt. John D. Smedley.

Margie loved to read and garden as well as travel. She also loved surf fishing and spent many hours on Onslow Beach and Emerald Isle with Big Hank and her family. She continued to reside in Swansboro until later in life and then moved to New Bern to be close to her daughter. She was a great cook and made the best homemade chicken and pastry. She will be greatly missed by her family.

A private service will be held at a later date with an internment with Big Hank in the National Cemetery in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Margie H. Smedley.