Rosalyn Smith

Rosalyn Hedgpeth Smith, beloved wife, grandmother, sister, and friend, died on Friday, October 7, 2016 after a long, courageous fight with Alzheimer's disease.

Rose was born on May 22, 1940, the daughter of Edith and Roy Hedgpeth (deceased) of Bladenboro, NC. Rose grew up with six brothers and sisters in a very happy family.

In 1977, she met and married Dr. Robert L. Smith. They were happily married for thirty-nine years, living in Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina, and Wilmington. Robert was a dentist and Rose served alongside him in Apex and later in Kinston, NC. Rose was very creative; she loved working in the yard, arranging flowers, and decorating her home. She and a close friend had an interior design business in Raleigh for several years and were very successful.

After their retirement, Rose and Robert moved to Wilmington and Rose served as director of an After School Program. She loved children and took great pride in their academic success. Teachers, students, and parents loved and appreciated her devotion to their children.

Rose was an avid golfer, she loved to travel, loved spending time with her family, and was active in her community and church in Fuquay-Varina and Wilmington. She and Robert are presently members of First Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC.

Rose is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Dr. Robert L. Smith of Wilmington, NC and two sons, Mark Edwards of Bolivia, NC and Donnie Edwards, and wife Deborah, of Greensboro, NC, a stepson, Bob Smith and wife Becky (deceased) of Angier, NC and a stepdaughter, June Munns and husband Bob of Cary, NC. She has many grandchildren and great grandchildren that she loved dearly.

Rose's beloved brothers and sisters are: Harold Hedgpeth and wife Sarah of Fayetteville, NC; Martha Welch and husband Billy of Lancaster, SC; Julia Davis and husband Jim of Wilmington, NC; Jimmy Hedgpeth and wife Barbara, Linwood Hedgpeth and wife Judy, all of Bladenboro, NC; and her brother, Wilton Merle Hedgpeth (deceased). She is survived by many nieces and nephews, who lovingly called her Mimi. She will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 from 1-1:45pm at Lennons Crossroads Baptist Church in Evergreen, NC with funeral service following at 2pm. Dr. Fred Senter will be officiating services. Burial to follow services at Kelly Cemetery in Bladenboro, NC.

The family will always be grateful to Linda Mosley and her caregiving team as well as Lower Cape Fear Hospice for all their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice of Wilmington, NC or to the National Alzheimer's Association.