Gloria Etta Smith

Gloria Etta McKay Smith was born February 22, 1958. She was the fourth child born to the late Duncan Lee McKay and the late Viola Flowers McKay.  Gloria went from labor to reward on Wednesday March 13, 2024 at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, Florence, South Carolina.  In addition to her parents Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Michael Smith, her brothers James Edward McKay, Altha Bell Cook, and Rickey Hines. 

Gloria was educated in the Public Schools of Robeson County System and graduated from Fairmont High School in 1976. She continued her education at Robeson Community College for 2 years receiving an Associate Degree in Nursing Assistant. She enjoyed meeting people and initiating a conversations with anyone she came in contact with.  She had a pleasant personality and a beautiful smile.  These attributes supplemented her ability to be a successful  Avon Sales Consultant for over 40 years. While performing the Avon Consultant Job she also was employed as a sewing machine operator for over thirty years at M.J. Soffee and also Sara Lee Hosiery.

During her life she was a dedicated, respected neighborhood "Mom" who turned no child away. She was a faithful member of St. Johns AME Church of Fairmont for sixty plus years. There she was a member of the senior choir and was a dedicated usher and served on the Kitchen Committee. 

An abundance of love and memories are left with her children: Michael Antonio Smith (Sharmell) of the home, Clarence Joseph Smith of Fairmont, and Irish Smith Graham (Calvin) of Maxton, North Carolina; three grandchildren Jazir Purdie of the home, Brandon Johnathan Smith, Katlin Ashley Smith of Chicago.  Bonus grandchild, Marzjon Leonard. She is also survived by one brother Duncan McKay of Parkton, NC four sisters, Elizabeth Gabriel of Parkton, NC Phyllis Willey of New Jersey, Gladys Moody ( Sherman) of Fairmont, NC, Vanessa McKay of Albany, New York and a sister-in-law Frances McKay and a host of nieces and nephews. including a special nephew Dedrick Levern Moody of Florida and a special niece Sheree Moody King and other relatives and friends.

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