Eleanor Civils Smith

Eleanor Civils Smith, 80, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Eleanor was born on April 29, 1943, in Jones County, North Carolina to the late Leslie Wade McKeel and Zylphia Wilson McKeel.

Eleanor had a very long career at Maola Milk and Ice Cream Company after her graduation from New Bern High School. She enjoyed gardening and Red Hats Club of New Bern. Eleanor loved attending all events with her immediate family. In 1969, Eleanor and William Harvey (Bill) Civils were married until his death in 1992. Later, Eleanor and Jesse Smith were wed until her passing.

Left to cherish her memory are her five siblings, Peggy Harrington of Hamlet, NC, Linda Irwin of Petersburg, Il, Thomas McKeel (wife, Shirlene) of New Bern, Wayne McKeel (wife, Nannette) of Vanceboro, NC, and Emma Jean Calderwood (husband, Don) of Harrisburg, NC. Also with her siblings, Eleanor leaves behind her 18 nieces and nephews. They all were truly bright spots in her life. Eleanor also enjoyed her extended family, including four adorable great-great nieces that brought her so much joy. She could hardly wait for the next video or picture!

In addition to her parents, Eleanor is preceded in death by her seven siblings, Sidney McKeel, Vernon McKeel, Maxine Bahmer, Leslie McKeel, Billy McKeel, Doris Farmer, and Donald McKeel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eleanor’s honor to St. Judes or the Salvation Army of New Bern.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 2:00 pm at New Bern Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Eleanor Civils Smith.