She was born in Newport, Carteret County, and attended Newport Consolidated School and East Carolina University. After beginning her career as a public school teacher, she soon transitioned to her true calling, social work, and retired as a program manager with the Craven County Department of Social Services.
She is survived by her son, Jeff Smith, of Raleigh; her sister Brenda (Earl) Smith; brother Curtis George Simmons; her sister-in-law Ruth (Sherrill) Garner; brother-in-law Lewis (Sharon) Smith, brother-in-law Phillip Kirk; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ira Thomas Smith; her parents, Dallas and Pearl Simmons; and her sister Margaret (Phillip) Kirk.
Special recognition is given to her devoted sister, Brenda, who was with her non-stop in the final months, and to the caring staff of Craven County Hospice and Home Instead. They made Florida’s wish to remain at home possible.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Florida’s honor at her beloved church, Trinity United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 12867, New Bern NC 28561), or Craven County Hospice, Craven County Health Department Foundation (PO Drawer 12610, New Bern, NC 28561).
A Visitation Service will be held at Cotten Funeral Home (2201 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560) on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 5:00-6:00 PM. A Funeral Service will follow at 6:00 PM.
Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Florida Simmons Smith.
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