Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Smithfield, nc & Johnston County

Tammy Lynn Daigneau

Tammy Lynn Daigneau

Jan 5, 2026

Tammy Daigneau

July 29, 1972 – January 5th, 2026

Tammy Daigneau was born on July 29, 1972, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in California, where many of her roots and memories were formed, and spent her final years in North Carolina.

Tammy had a deep love for doing hair—a passion that allowed her creativity, warmth, and care for others to shine through....

Joseph Williams

Joseph Williams

Jan 5, 2026

Joseph Williams ( affectionately called Papa Joe) departed this world January 5, 2026 in

Hospice care in Raleigh NC. Joseph Williams transitioned into eternal peace with our Lord and

Savior Christ Jesus. Born to Claude and Ossie Williams in Bentonville township as one of six

children. Joseph Williams was a resident of Perrycreek Rehabilitation Center prior to hospice

care where he enjoyed a full...

William Robert Groves, Jr.

William Robert Groves, Jr.

Jan 3, 2026

William Robert Groves Jr., a2ectionately known as Charlie, Chase Vape, Charlie Jr., and Uncle Jr., was born on May 11, 1969, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He entered eternal rest, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love.

William Jr. was born to the late Rossie “Granny Groves” Goodson and the late William “Charlie” Groves Sr. He was educated in the...

Shawanda Lynett Watson

Shawanda Lynett Watson

Dec 24, 2025

In the early morning hours on December 24, 2025, Dr. Shawanda Lynett Watson earned her wings to her heavenly home. Dr. Shawanda L Watson, daughter of Catherine Revell Watson and the late Howard Watson was born August 27, 1963 in Smithfield, NC,

During her childhood, she attended Lee’s Chapel AME Church Selma, NC and Red Hill United Church of Christ, Clayton,...

Vera Lee York Bates

Vera Lee York Bates

Dec 21, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Vera Lee Bates, who departed this life peacefully on December 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Vera Lee Bates was a classy woman who truly knew how to live. Born in Mobile, Alabama, Vera grew up surrounded by Southern roots, strong family ties, and a spirit...

Thurman Thatis Mickens

Thurman Thatis Mickens

Dec 18, 2025

Thurman T. Mickens

Obituary

Thurman Thatis Mickens of Selma, NC died Thursday,

December 18, 2025 at the age of 73.

He was the son of the late William Henry Mickens and Mary S. Mickens. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ruby Mickens of Selma, his son Thurman T. Mickens, Jr. of New Hampshire, four sisters and a host of nieces and nephews.

Gilberto Paguada

Gilberto Paguada

Dec 13, 2025

Gilberto Paguada (“Don Beto”)

5 de noviembre de 1937 – 13 de diciembre de 2025

Gilberto Paguada, cariñosamente conocido como Don Beto, falleció el 13 de diciembre de 2025 a la edad de 88 años. Nació el 5 de noviembre de 1937 en Olanchito, Yoro, Honduras, donde inició su vida con valores de humildad, trabajo duro y un profundo amor por la...

Gloria Hill McNeil

Gloria Hill McNeil

Dec 13, 2025

Gloria Hill McNeil, born in Sanford, North Carolina to Waymond Hill and Clara Mae Dammons Hill, peacefully departed this life on December 17, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her sister May Hill, and her brother Waymond Hill Jr.

Gloria is survived by her devoted husband, Milton (Buddy) McNeil of Smithfield, NC. She is also remembered by...

Jo Anne Pittman Howard

Jo Anne Pittman Howard

Dec 5, 2025

Jo Anne Pittman Howard was born on December 3, 1959, in Smithfield, North Carolina, to George Thomas Pittman, Sr., and the late Lizzie Belle Griffis Pittman. From an early age, Jo Anne was known for her kind spirit, loving heart, and joyful nature. She grew up in a close-knit family and received her education in the Wake County Public School...

Georgia Irene Blackmon Judkins

Georgia Irene Blackmon Judkins

Dec 2, 2025

Georgia Irene Blackmon Judkins affectionately known as Irene to many peacefully transition from

labor to reward on Tuesday December 2nd 2025. Irene was the fourth child born to the late Edward Emory Blackmon Sr & Georgianna Braswell Terrell

on June 9th 1938 in Smithfield NC. Irene accepted Christ at a very young age and became a member of St. Mark AME Church...

Jayce Zy’Kell Holmes

Jayce Zy’Kell Holmes

Nov 30, 2025

Jayce Zy’kell Holmes, beloved son of James and Dr. Artoryia Holmes,

was born on September 1, 2018, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He

entered eternal rest on November 30, 2025.

Jayce was a fighter from the very beginning. At birth, he faced

serious kidney complications. Through every challenge, he showed

strength far beyond his years. As his condition progressed from

Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease to end...