Dorothy Jean Vann Smith

Dorothy Jean Vann Smith, age 92, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center in Wilmington. She was born in Clinton, NC, on July 24, 1933, the daughter of Ottis O’Field Vann and Iula Jane Matthews.

Jean lived a full and vibrant life, centered around family, friends, and the simple joys she cherished most. She loved her family deeply and delighted in entertaining them with funny stories, especially during holidays. Known for her sparkling blue eyes, quick wit, and warm personality, she loved to talk and socialize with people wherever she went.

She spent many years playing bridge, including duplicate bridge, with dear friends. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she and her husband enjoyed Saturday nights dancing with friends at the Edgewater Club in Wilmington, often followed by meals at Whitey’s Restaurant on Market Street. She was a member of the “Good Times Club”, a social group which gathered over the years to dance, attend the Azalea Festival and celebrate life. She was the last surviving member of this joyous group.

Jean had a creative spirit and enjoyed crafts, especially cross-stitch, where she made beautiful Christmas stockings and pictures, as well as beautiful shell wreaths for family and friends. In later years, she loved going to yard sales on Saturday mornings and listening to music by Andy Williams, Alan Jackson and other gospel artists. She had a particular fondness for sweet treats like Nutty Buddy bars.

She took pride in her appearance, faithfully having her hair done each week and always enjoying looking her best. Even after losing her vision, she maintained a remarkable zest for life and appreciation for the world around her.

Jean and her husband treasured time spent at their place in Hampstead along the waterway, where they enjoyed boating, catching crabs from their pier, and relaxing by the water. She also loved to travel and, when able, enjoyed attending church.

Professionally, Jean oversaw the circulation department at the Fayetteville Observer in Fayetteville, NC., and later worked as an office manager in her husband’s law practice

She is survived by her loving children, Mary Anne (Cox) Watts and her husband, Ron, of Wilmington, and Tom Cox, Jr., of Wrightsville Beach; two grandsons, Robert Watts and his wife, Whitney, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Bill Watts and his wife, Brenda, of San Diego, CA; a granddaughter, Christina Watts of Oakland, CA; and five great-grandchildren, Natalie Watts, Dylan Watts, and Reiley Watts of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Olivia Watts and Abigail Watts of San Diego, CA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Arnold Smith; her former husband, J. Thomas Cox, Sr.; her parents, Ottis O’Field Vann and Iula Jane Matthews; her beloved great-granddaughter, Ryan Elizabeth Watts; and her brother, Billy Ransom Vann of Clinton, NC.

Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend. She will be remembered for her kindness, her lively spirit, and the love and care she gave so generously to those around her. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Graveside services will be held at Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Dr., Wilmington, NC 28409 on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Billy Batten. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of Tom Cox, Jr. in Wrightsville Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. Online condolences may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the hospital staff and home health caregivers, and especially to the staff of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for their exceptional compassion and care.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.coblegreenlawn.com.