May 8, 2024, 84, Goldsboro —
Christine Creech Smith passed away peacefully to her eternal home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born to Elizabeth Turnage and Patrick Creech in Goldsboro on January 13, 1940. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, MSgt. Jimmie R. Smith; and her son, Stanley Smith.
She was also preceded in death by her sister, Patsy Gurley; brother, Jimmy Creech; brothers-in-law, Ross Smith, Grady Smith, Charles Smith, David Smith, Gerald Ball, and Franklin Gurley; sisters-in-law, Frances Smith, Sara Smith, Betty Smith, and Jean Creech.
After graduating from Goldsboro High School, she moved to Washington, D.C., and worked in the Pentagon, where she met her husband. She enjoyed tours of duty in Europe and Asia as a military wife and made many cherished lifelong friends around the world.
Following Jimmie’s retirement from the military, they settled their family in Goldsboro. Always attentive to the needs of her family, Christine’s skills as a homemaker were beyond compare. Knowing the favorite dishes of each of her loved ones, she was happy to oblige their special requests through her excellent culinary skills.
Possessing an insatiable sweet tooth, Christine readily kept candy on hand, much to the delight of her family. Skilled with her hands, Christine was an expert seamstress, and she loved to knit and crochet, especially when creating a masterpiece for her family.
The blessing of family was Christine’s greatest gift. A loving and supportive mother, stepmother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she delighted in the joys of her close family. She cherished the title of “Nanny” as she was affectionately known to her grandson and great-grandchildren.
Kind and gentle in spirit, she was ever gracious and had an open invitation to her home. Everyone felt welcomed and part of her family as they entered her door. With a strong will and full of courage, she was a survivor of lung cancer which she battled in 2001. Full of integrity, Christine had a high moral and ethical compass. As the leading example for her family, she set high standards for them and was honored that they followed in her guidance.
Always willing to explore new destinations, she was ready to go as soon as the invitation arrived. Reading several books a week of various genres, she was an advocate of literacy for all.
Devoted to the ministries of the Tabernacle Pentecostal Holiness Church, Christine was a constant presence in worship and an integral part of the Women’s ministry.
Prior to declining health, Christine was often seen working out at the Family Y or enjoying lunches out and traveling with her friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Smith Greenstock, and husband, Jay; grandson, Ashley Speight and wife, Mason; by her adored great-grandchildren, Layla, Avery, Beau, Tripp, and Gentry Speight. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Doris Smith, Milly Smith, and Marjorie Ball; Jimmie’s son, Nicholas Reiland and wife, Kathleen; his grandchildren Maureen Wilmet and husband, Derek, Hannah Winters and husband, Bryan, Alexander Reiland, and Jackson Reiland; and his great-granddaughter Georgia Mary Rose Wilmet.
She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome, or please consider honoring Christine with a donation to
Friends of Wayne County Public Library
1001 E. Ash St.
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
