Myra (Parrish) Smith

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Myra Dawn Parrish Smith, affectionately known as “Donnie,” was born on January 24, 1945, to the late Charlie Turner and Helen Mae Parrish. She was lovingly raised in Madison Heights, Virginia, by her cherished Aunt Sallie and Uncle Robert Davis, whose guidance shaped her lifelong commitment to excellence and compassion. She departed this life on September 30, 2025.  

A proud graduate of Central High School in Amherst County, Myra distinguished herself as valedictorian of the Class of 1963. Her leadership shone brightly as Student Body President, basketball team manager, and Homecoming Queen.

She pursued higher education at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, earning her A.B. in Sociology in 1967. At VUU, she was honored as an Alpha Sweetheart, Ms. Virginia Union Court, and served in the Office of the Dean of Students. In 1965, she was initiated into the Alpha Eta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, beginning a lifelong journey of sisterhood and service.

Myra continued her academic journey at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where she met the love of her life, Horace Smith, in 1967 and earned a Master's in Social Work in 1969. They married in 1968 and built a life rooted in love, family, and purpose.

Her professional career began in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked in adoption services, helping families grow through love. She later served in clinical settings in West Chester, Pennsylvania, offering end-of-life counseling and bereavement support. In the late 1980s, Myra transitioned to education, serving as a guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal in Wake County Public Schools, culminating in her retirement from Durham Public Schools in 2006.

Beyond her career, Myra’s life was rich with community involvement. A devoted member of Martin Street Baptist Church, she held roles including Ladies Auxiliary President and Bereavement Ministry Co-Chair. She was a passionate reader and a 30-year member of the Friday Night Women Book Club. Her dedication to uplifting women was evident in her work with The Links, Incorporated (Raleigh Chapter), and as president of Triangle Women in Golf (TWIG).

Myra leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and service. She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Horace Smith of Raleigh, NC; daughters Cherie Smith Gibson (Russell) of Mitchellville, MD, and Stacy Joy Smith of Raleigh, NC; son Christopher Horace Smith of Chicago, IL; granddaughter Sarah Parrish Gibson of Mitchellville, MD; sister Sherrill Davis of Madison Heights, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

Public Viewing: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Lea Funeral Home, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Wake: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Lea Funeral Home, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, October 10, 2025, at Martin Street Baptist Church,1001 E. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC.

Visitation:  10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, preceding the service at the Church.

Interment: Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to a few of Myra’s favorite causes:

https://trianglewomeningolf.com/twig-foundation%2C-inc-1

Virginia Union University Annual Fund

Johnston Health Foundation Hospice Fund (SECU Hospice House)

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