November 13, 2020, 80

Marie Gainey Smith, 80, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 13, 2020 at her home.

Marie was born in Wayne County on August 11, 1940 to the late Needham Martin Gainey and Hazel Best Gainey. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Jasper “Buddy” Blizzard, Jr. and Thomas David Smith. Marie had worked in food service and as a school bus driver for Wayne County Public Schools. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Pikeville. Marie was the rock of her family, her husband and children knew that she loved them with all her heart and truly was a blessing to them.

A graveside service to celebrate Marie’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 in Wayne Memorial Park with Pastor Roy Savage officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.

Marie is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Ham and husband Linwood of Goldsboro, Wanda Fortner and husband Ronnie of Pikeville, Patricia Hix and husband Walt of Goldsboro, and Pamela Pennell and husband Cecil of Princeton; grandchildren, David Fortner and wife April, Jennifer Smith and husband Ryan, Jeremy Pennell, Nancy Wiggins and husband Steven and Nicole Evans and husband Jason; and great-grandchildren, Cole Stoner, Bentley Glisson, Braelynn Worley, Owen Smith, Gracelynn Evans, Adalynn Evans and Kinlynn Evans.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Dawn Stoner; and brothers, Curtis Gainey, Billy Gainey and Linwood Gainey.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to First Baptist Church, 207 Marlin Lane, Pikeville, NC 27863.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.