Nora "Granny" Butler Smith

Nora Butler Smith, affectionately known to most as “Granny” heard the call of the Lord on the morning of Friday, April 25, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born and raised in Bladen County, the daughter of the late Paisley Butler and Lettie Brisson Butler.

She spent her life serving the Lord, loving her family, and sharing her gift of music for the kingdom of God. She was the pianist and song leader for the Abbottsburg Pentecostal Holiness Church for over 50 years. Nora was the devoted mother to daughters, Lorna S. Gibson (Paul) and Belva Smith of Bladenboro, a loving sister to her brothers, Lee Butler (Brenda) and Alvin Butler, both of Bladenboro, the proud grandmother of Stephanie Kriner (Buddy), Brian DiCicco (Lindsey), Paula McLean, and Shelley Howard (Greg), her 10 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

She longed to go to Heaven, to see her dear Savior and to see those that had travelled on before, her dear parents, and siblings, Creston Butler, Harvey Butler, Hoover Butler, Ezra Butler, Veneer Butler, Bertha Meares, Artie Smith, Margie Lewis, and Mae Lewis.

Nora had a passion for music. She was a self-taught pianist, guitarist, and harmonica player. She shared the gifts God gave her with not only her beloved church congregation but also for those who were shut in at the local nursing homes until her health declined. She enjoyed reading the word of God, attending church, and spending time with her family. On Sundays, she shared a meal with all of them and always looked forward to Lorna’s fried chicken. She was often doted on by her daughter, Belva and shared much laughter with her son-in-law Paul.

The bible says in Psalm 116: 15, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

 Nora was that in the sight of the Lord and in the sight of all that knew and loved her. Her legacy of compassion, joy and determination will live on in each of them and they can rest in knowing she’s finally home and playing those beautiful notes in that heavenly choir.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 3-4 pm at the Bladenboro Chapel of Bladen Gaskins followed by a funeral service at 4 pm with the Reverend Darrell Little, Reverend Anthony Rich, and Reverend Jimmy Tatum officiating. Burial will follow the services in the New Pait Cemetery.

At other times, the family will receive friends at the home of Paul and Lorna Gibson 12766 Hwy 131 N  Bladenboro, NC.