Mary Sawyer Smith

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Mary Katherine Sawyer Smith, 79, of Olympia Rd. passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

Mary was born and raised in Pamlico County. She attended Stonewall School and graduated from Pamlico County High School.

She was raised in a loving home. Her family worked hard and provided a good life for her and her siblings. She met and married Bruce Smith Sr. and they recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Together they raised two wonderful children.

A beloved homemaker, Mary devoted her life to nurturing her family. She loved Pamlico County where her and Bruce enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and spending time at their home in Olympia gardening.  She was an avid bingo and card player.

She also loved to cook and anyone that came for a visit was always treated to her home cooking. She liked making sure everyone always had enough to eat, and they did not leave hungry.

You could find her at any of her grandchildren’s sports events, plays, or school events.  You would always see her at the field, full of smiles and cheering them on.  She had many special days taking them crabbing and fishing.

She was always there for all family occasions, birthdays, graduations, etc. Her eyes would light up when she was watching her family, full of joy and pride.

She was such an inspiration to her family and friends. Over the years, while her health was deteriorating, she never let it get her down.  She was a fighter right until the end of her precious life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emory O. Sawyer, Sr. and Louise Toler Sawyer; brothers, Odell Sawyer, Charlie Sawyer, Freddie Sawyer and Clifton “Pie” Sawyer.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 59 years, Bruce Smith, Sr.; son, Bruce Smith, Jr. and wife, Jessica; daughter, Kathy Spain and husband, Marc; brother, Bill Sawyer, Sr.; sister, Geraldine Sadler; four grandchildren, Cody Spain (Ally), Cole Spain, Paige Smith, and Dylan Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Bailey and Boden Spain.

A graveside service to honor Mary’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 23rd at Grantsboro Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Josh Nichols.

The family will receive friends and relatives anytime at the home, 1542 Olympia Rd., New Bern, NC 28560.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Pamlico Rescue, PO Box 302, Bayboro, NC 28515.