Sylvia Clair Ensley Smithwick

Sylvia Clair Ensley Smithwick, passed away on Thursday August 27, 2026, at her home in Grantsboro. One of five siblings, she was born on November 9, 1937, to Whitehurst and Goldie Ensley of Scott Town.

Sylvia graduated from Pamlico County High School in 1955 and shortly after began working at Cherry Point as a civilian employee. After her daughters were born, she was a stay-at-home mom until they started school at which time she became a missions board secretary at Calvary Baptist Church. This allowed her to take her girls to and from school and be available for their school activities. In 1988, she resumed her prior employment at Cherry Point where she worked until 1995 when both she and Jack retired.

After retirement she enjoyed working in her flowers, doing crossword puzzles, reading mystery novels, and taking care of her kitties. She also assisted Jack in the operations of his electrical business.

Throughout her life Sylvia was a loving, kind, and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. She was always gracious and had a kind word for everyone. She was a Godly mother who loved the Lord and lived a Christlike life. She is now reunited with Jack in heaven. She was greatly loved and will be missed more than words can say.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Jackson Smithwick, who passed in April of 2025, and older brother, Renford Ensley.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Smithwick Hunt and her husband, Dennis Hunt of Indianapolis, IN, and Tracy Smithwick Savage and her husband, Stephen Savage of Reelsboro; brothers, Rodney Ensley of Oriental and Ralph Ensley of Grantsboro; and sister, Carolyn Grimsley of Grantsboro.

A funeral service to honor Sylvia’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 3rd at New Bethlehem FWB Church with the Reverend Ashley Trogdon officiating. A brief interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service in the church sanctuary.