Mildred D. Smith

Mildred D. Smith, 106, departed thus earthly life on Monday January 19, 2026.  Funeral service at 12:30 PM Friday February 13, 2026 at the C A Haywood, Sr. Memorial Chapel preceded by a 12:00 noon visitation.  Interment will follow the service at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Celebrating a Century of Grace, Compassion, and Resilience

With deep sorrow and profound gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved Mildred Lee Smith (Duer), who departed this life on January 19, 2026, at the age of 106. Her final days were spent at Rex Wellness Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, Raleigh NC wrapped by the love of family and friends whose lives she touched so deeply.

Born on October 20, 1919, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Mildred was the cherished daughter of James R. and Laura L. Duer. From her earliest days, she was surrounded by warmth and affection. Her childhood was marked by laughter, learning, and the enduring support of family and friends. At an early age, Mildred received Christ as her Lord and Savior and subsequently joined Third Baptist Church at the age of 13 under Reverenced B.W. Dance. Mildred received her early education in the Portsmouth Public School system and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in the class of February 1937. After graduation, she attended the Medical College of Richmond, Virginia in the School of Nursing and later attended North Carolina A & T University, Greensboro, NC. On October 14, 1945, she met her soulmate, Tilmer “Pete” Augustus Smith and was a union of love and partnership, blessed with the birth of one daughter, the late Phyllis A. Smith, whose five years brought immeasurable joy. Mildred’s career at Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth was distinguished by unwavering dedication, integrity, and gentle spirit. She was a comfort to countless patients and colleagues from 1954 to 1984. In her later years, she found joy in residency and fellowship at Capital Towers, Raleigh NC. Mildred cherished peaceful walks to North Hills Mall and the local church campus, often accompanied by her dearest friend Hazel McNeill, sharing laughter and creating cherished memories. Her faith was a guiding light, and her kindness and wisdom enriched the lives of all who knew her. 

Legacy of Love and Remembrance

Mildred’s legacy lives in the hearts of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, sister Alma Duer Gaither and brother James R. Duer, Jr. She is survived by a devoted family: nephew Dr. Ronald S. Gaither (Pauletta) of Raleigh NC, a very devoted niece Mrs. Fraitus C. Johnson (Late Howard) of Portsmouth, Va and a very devoted nephew late Edward Colden (Eva) of Virginia Beach, Va. And nephew George H, Colden of Chesapeake, Va. Also, her very special sisters-in-law Mrs. Eleanor S. Bain of New York, NY, Mrs. Frances S. Robinson and Mrs. Gloria S. Allen of Plainfield, NJ. Great nieces, Natasha Gaither, Kim Cummings (Raimondi), Amber Moges (Mike) and many other nieces, nephews great nieces and great nephews, family and very special friends Angela Perry, Dewey Brown and Keith McNeill.

Click here to watch Live Stream

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/celebration-of-life-for-mildred-d-smith

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