Gail Evans Smith

Patricia “Gail” Evans Smith of Linwood, North Carolina, entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Born May 7, 1940, in Johnston County, North Carolina, Gail spent her early years there and graduated from Selma High School in Selma, NC.

She continued her education at East Carolina University, earning a degree in Home Economics Education in 1962. Gail devoted more than 30 years to a career in public education, teaching primarily in Davidson County, North Carolina, where she touched countless lives through her dedication and care for students.

A faithful servant throughout her life, Gail was an active member of Jersey Baptist Church in Lexington, NC. She had a special passion for Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and mission work, always seeking ways to serve others. Following her retirement from teaching, she continued giving back to her community as a volunteer at Thomasville Medical Center.

When not serving others, Gail found great joy in travel. Trips to Alaska and throughout the western United States were especially meaningful to her—not only for the opportunity to learn and explore, but for the fellowship shared with close friends and cherished travel companions.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Thurman and Penina Evans of Selma, NC; her sisters, Annette Johnson of Clayton, NC, and Merle Crocker of Garner, NC; and her brother, Larry Evans of Clayton, NC.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, William “Bill” Smith; her sister, Cathy Batten of Selma, NC; her daughters, Jennifer Smith and husband Michael of Cornelius, NC, and Millie Wattenbarger and husband Kevin of Linwood, NC; and her four beloved grandchildren, Caroline Smith, Andrew Smith, Kayla Wattenbarger Underwood and husband Chad, and Julia Wattenbarger. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Davidson Funeral Home, 301 North Main Street, Lexington, NC 27292. Funeral services will take place Saturday, January 17, at 2:00 p.m. at Jersey Baptist Church, 2920 Jersey Church Road, Lexington, NC 27292. The family will also receive friends at the home at other times.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be made to the Jersey Baptist