Janie Marie “Dinah” Smith
RALEIGH – Janie Marie “Dinah” Smith aged 85, passed away after a long illness on May 3, 2023, at King’s Grant Retirement Community in Martinsville, Virginia. She was born March 7, 1938, in Mullins, South Carolina, the daughter of Hugh Bertille Floyd and Janie Lucille (Chapman) Floyd.
Dinah attended Mullins High School, Class of 1956, where she graduated valedictorian. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Limestone College with a major in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Education from Francis Marion University. She met and married William Leonard “Bill” Smith, and with him raised two children, Bobbie Lyn and Eric. Dinah and Bill were married for over 60 years. Dinah taught 5th and 6th grade Math and Science in both Darlington, and Apex, North Carolina, for over 30 years.
Dinah was an active member of Trinity United Methodist in Darlington. In Raleigh, North Carolina, Dinah became an active member at Millbrook United Methodist Church. After she and Bill moved to Raleigh, they established a deep friendship with the “OPs” (Old People), a special group of about 8 couples who enjoyed sailing their Hobie Cat catamarans and dancing to Beach Music. She enjoyed traveling the world with Bill, and sitting on the beach at Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Together they saw every continent except Antarctica, and particularly enjoyed visits to Austria, South Africa, China, Costa Rica, and New Zealand.
A teacher beloved by her students, she took a personal interest in each of them as individuals. Dinah was shy and soft-spoken, with a strong Christian faith, and a good sense of humor.
Dinah is survived by daughter Bobbie Lyn Smith (Scott Hintz), San Jose, California, son William Eric Smith (Anne), Martinsville, Virginia, brother Hughie Bertille (Delray) Floyd, Marion, South Carolina, and sister Patricia Ann Floyd, Florence, South Carolina. She is pre-deceased by her devoted husband Bill Smith and brother James Curtis “Jimmy” Floyd.
A service of remembrance will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 24 at Millbrook United Methodist Church, 1712 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609. A reception will be held immediately afterward at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to King’s Grant in the name of Bill and Dinah Smith, King’s Grant Retirement Community, 350 Kings Way Road, Martinsville, VA 24112.
