Mary Lee Poindexter Smith

Mary Lee Poindexter Smith, 92 of Wilson passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Mary was born in Lee County to Mallory Esley and Flora Ethel Lineberry Poindexter. She met the love of her life, “Smitty”, while in high school and he was in the Army and stationed in Fort Bragg. Their passion was the skating rink in Sanford, being with friends, going dancing, or just riding around. Upon high school graduation, they married on August 4, 1957, and moved to Wilson where she has been all of her life.

Mary worked at ASCS Office in Wilson until she was hired by Charles Anthony to work with his accounting firm. She continued to work for the firm once it became Anthony and Tabb until her retirement. She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she loved being in the choir. She was active with Police Axillary while her husband was on the police force. She enjoyed their membership at the Moose Lodge, to continue working on those dance skills.

Mary loved taking pictures of everything and has an abundance of albums to prove it. She loved to shop and if she had a coupon, she was going to use it. Mary always took good care of herself, making sure her hair, makeup, and clothing were perfect. She loved the lake and the beach so she could sunbathe, traveling with her husband, to Atlanta, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana to visit her sisters-in-law and in-laws. The trips were long because Mary was afraid of heights, leaving Smitty to drive the routes that involved no planes or bridges. Hummingbirds were her passion. She had hibiscus plants, hummingbird feeders and vines by her dining room window so she could enjoy them all day. She religiously planted vincas in the spring and pansies in the fall. They were gorgeous and greatly admired by all who rode by.

Mary loved her family, friends, high school reunions, yearly family reunions in Sanford, and the holidays with her extended family in Wilson, especially at Christmas. There wasn’t a piece of chocolate she didn’t like, thanks to Patricia Murray (peanut butter balls to be exact).

Mary is survived by her daughter, Karen Smith Owens (Tommy) of Wilson; grandson, Thomas “Chad” Owens (Heather) of Wilson; granddaughter, Amanda Owens King (Daniel) of Stantonsburg; step-great-grandchildren, Hannah King and Dillion King; special nephew, Gwyn Hardister (Gail); special nieces, Glenda Bishop (Gene), Cheryl Thomas (Roger), and numerous other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her, husband, James Hammond “Smitty” Smith of sixty-four years; parents, Mallory and Flora Poindexter; brothers, Robert, Esley and Warren Poindexter and her sisters, Edith “Ekie” P. Cary Moester, Jewel P. Hardister and Bernice P. Brantley.

The family would like to express a very special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for their loving care and to her caregivers, Karen Bryant and Catherine Solano for their support and love.

In lieu of flowers, consider memorials in Mary’s memory to Gentiva Hospice, 2841 Daisy Lane, Suite E, Wilson, North Carolina 27896 or to Veterans Residential Services of Wilson, 2500 Nash Street N, Unit E, Wilson, North Carolina 27896.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.