Wanda Shaw Smitherman

Wanda Shaw Smitherman, 86, of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Born on December 20, 1938, in Jemison, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Leo Frank Shaw and Violet Martin Shaw.

Wanda’s early years were spent moving across the country as her father worked in construction, shaping her love of people and new places. Over her long career, she served in education, healthcare, and state government, retiring from the North Carolina Department of Labor. Deeply respected by colleagues, she continued part-time in a job-share role simply because she loved her work.

In 2002, Wanda was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors, given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the state through exceptional accomplishments and service. Three different Labor Commissioners who had worked with her attended the ceremony.

A devoted member of Ebenezer Methodist Church in Raleigh, Wanda shared her gifts through the choir and piano. Her life was defined by faith, kindness, loyalty, and a servant’s heart. She cherished travel—especially trips to France, England, and Scotland with her sister, Pat—and had a special affection for Paris and the British Royal Family.

Wanda delighted in fashion, scrapbooking, genealogy, and cooking. She filled her home with photo albums, family stories, and the comforting aromas of her favorite recipes. Simple joys brought her peace: a rainy day, a stocked kitchen, a cup of coffee, a good movie, and her beloved crime documentaries.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ronnie Wayne Shaw.

Wanda is survived by her children:

Monte Smitherman of Clayton

Todd Smitherman (Patricia) of Clayton

Heath Smitherman (Abbie) of Goldsboro

Nicki Smitherman Knowles (Matt) of Raleigh

She is also survived by her sister, Patsy Shaw Robinson (Kenneth) of Clanton, Alabama.

Wanda was the beloved grandmother of Logan Smitherman (Kate) of Miami, FL; Chance Smitherman (Daniela) of Rocky Mount, NC; Cade Smitherman of Zebulon, NC; Keely Smitherman Register (Joshua) of Columbia, SC; Corey Foster (Madison) of Franklinton, NC; Hank Smitherman of Raleigh, NC; Carson Smitherman of Raleigh, NC; Fletcher Knowles (Ava) of Angier, NC; and Bennett Knowles of Wilmington, NC.

She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: McKinley Smitherman, Mia Register, Judah Foster and Micah Foster.

She leaves behind a family who adored her and a legacy of love, faith, and grace.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Methodist Church, 6020 Rock Quarry Road in Raleigh, in the Faith Center. Visitation with the family will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Wanda’s memory to one of the following organizations:

Ebenezer Methodist Church https://www.ebenezerraleigh.com/

American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org

American Kidney Fund https://www.kidneyfund.org/