Shirley Homesley Smith

Shirley E. Homesley Smith, age 94, of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully at her residence, surrounded by family, on August 23, 2026. Formerly of Cherryville, NC, she was born on June 24, 1932, to the late Troy Clifton and Essie Taylor Homesley.

Shirley graduated from Cherryville High School in 1950 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Religion from Greensboro College in 1954. She was proud to have been part of the last generation for whom being a full-time homemaker was a primary vocation. In 1981, she returned to her teaching career and taught history and psychology at Cherryville High School until her retirement in 1995.

Shirley was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Cherryville, where she was a faithful choir member, Sunday school teacher, and former president of Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, NC Beta Epsilon Chapter, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, Tryon Resolves Chapter.

Shirley was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who will be remembered for her deep love of history, public education, and family. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, knitting, and traveling. A consummate hostess, she took great pleasure in entertaining family and friends and making everyone feel welcome in her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Ray H. Smith; her infant daughter, Suzanne L. Smith; and her brother, Dr. Howard D. Homesley.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Michael H. Smith and David W. (Martha Caye) Smith, both of Raleigh, NC; grandsons, Lucas M. Smith of Raleigh, NC, and Samuel D. Smith of Washington, DC; brother, T.C. (Jacquie) Homesley; sister-in-law, Janie B. Homesley; and niece and nephews, Blair (Jason) Hawley, Cliff (Fariba) Homesley, David (Natalie) Homesley, and John (Alana) Homesley. She is also survived by great- and great-great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 601 N. Pink St, Cherryville, NC 28201. The service will be followed by a reception and time of visitation with the family.

Burial in Cherryville Municipal Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cherryville High School Education Foundation, PO Box 301, Cherryville, NC 28201 (chsefnc.org).

Shirley will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her throughout her long and remarkable life.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., is serving the Smith family in Raleigh and Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home, in Cherryville, NC.