Mary Ellen Smith

Raleigh - Mary Ellen Jernigan Smith, 100, departed this life on January 11, 2018.  She was born on April 6, 1917, in Jackson, Tennessee, the oldest of eight children. She moved to Raleigh in 1936, and married Carl Bagwell Smith in 1941. They were married for 54 years, and had four children. She worked as manager for the Raleigh HUD office for several years. As a lifelong member of Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, she loved her Heavenly Father with all her heart, soul, and mind, and loved her fellow man as herself.  Accordingly, she volunteered time to help patients at Dorothea Dix Hospital and worked with prisoners through Yokefellow Prison Ministry. She taught Sunday School for many years, and worked with children’s music programs. She was preceded in death by her husband and her beloved grandson, Marcus Smith, two sisters, and four brothers.  She is survived by her four children: Brent Smith (Nella), Richard Smith (Stuart), Susan Neal (EC), and Robert Smith (Pam). Ten grandchildren surviving are Brent Smith, Megan Blodgett, Rick Smith, Davis Smith, Jennifer Mish, Andrew Neal, Jon Smith, Emily Morphies, Zack Smith, and Courtney Neal, along with special family members, Jim and Janice Hollingsworth, and twenty great- grandchildren.  One brother, Norman Jernigan, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive her. For all these years, she has stood as a strong, nurturing and well-loved example to friends and family. She believed and imparted to us that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.  We will truly miss her. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM Monday, January 15, at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, followed by a visitation.   Please consider memorials to Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, Raleigh Rescue Mission, 314 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601, or The Healing Place, 1251 Goode St., Raleigh, NC 27603. The family thanks the wonderful staff at Rex Rehab for their loving care of Mary Ellen.