Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Smithfield, nc & Johnston County

Winnie Mae Sanders Barfield

Winnie Mae Sanders Barfield

Feb 4, 2026

Winnie Mae Barfield, 85, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a woman of deep faith who cherished her family above all.

Born March 16, 1940, in Clayton, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Anthony R. Sanders and Mary Sanders Vinson. She graduated...

Rene Antonio Maldonado Garay

Rene Antonio Maldonado Garay

Feb 2, 2026

Nuestros pensamientos y oraciones van a la familia del señor Rene Antonio Maldonado Garay que residia en Princeton, NC 27569. El señor Maldonado Garay fallecio el dia 2 de febrero del 2026.

Por favor visite nuestra pagina www.rlsandersfuneralhome.org para dejar sus condolencias.

Su cuerpo será velado:

Viernes 13 de febrero, 2026 desde las 6:00 pm hasta 12 am

Sanders Funeral Home

806 E Market Street

Smithfield,...

Mary Delores “Mookie” Smith

Mary Delores “Mookie” Smith

Jan 31, 2026



Mary Delores “Mookie” Smith was born on May 17, 1994, in WakeCounty to Gwendolyn Barnes and the late George Smith Jr.

She received her education in Johnston County and earned herGED from Johnston Community College. She later continued herstudies at Liberty University, where she remained enrolled untilher untimely passing.

Mookie was a kindhearted young woman who was friendly toeveryone she met. She...

Walter Griffin

Walter Griffin

Jan 30, 2026



Walter Leon Griffin, Sr., age 81, departed this life peacefully at homeon January 30, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Walter was the beloved son of the late Walter Griffin and Lillie MaeWatson Griffin. Born on June 17, 1944, he was a lifelong resident ofJohnston County. He was affectionately known as “Rabbit” and“Pingaman” by those who knew and loved him.

Walter...

Annie Olean Lee Royal

Annie Olean Lee Royal

Jan 27, 2026

With grateful hearts and joyful hope, we celebrate the life and legacy of a beloved woman of faith who entered this world on May 9, 1943, born to her loving parents, Jesse and Alease Lee,

and was welcomed into eternal rest on January 27, 2026. From an early age, she was rooted in faith, family, and community. She received her early...

DaShontia Nitrezee Howell

DaShontia Nitrezee Howell

Jan 22, 2026

DaShontia Nitrezee Avery-Howell (TT) was born December 20, 1990 in Raleigh, NC to Mr. Victor Howell and Ms. DaShona Avery. DaShontia (TT)

graduated from Smithfield-Selma Senior High School in Smithfield, NC. DaShontia attended Johnston Community College where she studied Cosmetology. She later worked at Airflow, Wendy’s Restaurant, Waffle House, Family Dollar and Ross Store. She battled with her illness for the...

Anthony Dale Thornton

Anthony Dale Thornton

Jan 21, 2026

Anthony Dale "Tony" Thornton, 29, of Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away on January 21, 2026, in his hometown. Born on January 9, 1997.

Tony was a man of unwavering faith and a generous spirit. His strong connection with God guided him throughout his life and was evident in the way he treated others with kindness, compassion, and an open heart. Known...

Sergio Noe Ortiz Torres

Sergio Noe Ortiz Torres

Jan 15, 2026

Nuestros pensamientos y oraciones van a la familia del señor Sergio Noe Ortiz

Torres que residia en Smithfield, NC 27577. El señor Ortiz Torres fallecio el dia 15

de enero del 2026.

Por favor visite nuestra pagina www.rlsandersfuneralhome.org para dejar sus

condolencias.

Su cuerpo será velado:

Viernes 23 de enero, 2026

11:00 am hasta 2:00 pm

Iglesia Nazareth

711 West Nobl Street

Selma, NC 27576

Su cuerpo será velado:

Viernes 23 de...

Alexis Lucio Quintanilla

Alexis Lucio Quintanilla

Jan 11, 2026

Alexis Lucio Quintanilla, 28, of Los Angeles, California, passed away on 01/11/2026.

Born on 10/26/1997, Alex was the son of Matilde Bonilla and Marcos Ramirez. He was a beloved son, a steadfastyounger brother, funny uncle, and a loving father/fiancé. He was known for his quick wit, natural charm, sharp intelligence, and humble nature — qualities that made people gravitate toward him...

Mae Helen Griffis

Mae Helen Griffis

Jan 10, 2026

**Remembering Mae Helen Griffis**

Mae Helen Griffis, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 80. Her vibrant spirit, unwavering strength, and boundless love touched the lives of all who knew. Known for uplifting smile and generous heart, Mae exemplified grace and courage throughout every chapter of her life. She inspired those around her...

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...