Obituary: Phyllis Kay Smith

Phyllis Kay Smith, of Grifton, formerly of Atlantic Beach, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2026 at the age of 78.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 2 pm at Sharon United Methodist Church, Kinston. The family will receive friends following the service.

She was born on March 9, 1948, in Kinston. She spent her life as a computer programmer and analyst in Durham, North Carolina. She was known for her love of the beach, beach music, and shag dancing!

Phyllis is survived by her niece, Verna Johnson (Jasper Grimsley), nephews, Louie (Jennifer) Johnson and Wilson Lee Johnson, great-nephews, Henry (Abby) Johnson, Sidney Johnson, and Louie “Hank” Johnson, many dearly loved cousins, and a very special life-long friend, Sharon Waters Freeman.

She is preceded in death by her parents Wilson and Verna “Dingle” Smith, her sister Linda Johnson, and her brother-in-law Louie Johnson, Sr.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Sharon United Methodist Church, c/o Valley Odam Circle, 4106 Sharon Church Road, Kinston, NC 28501.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made at www.edwardsfhc.com.