Peggy Ellis (Sutton) Smith

Peggy Ellis Sutton Smith, 91, passed away peacefully August 12, 2024, at the Carolina Inn Assisted Living facility. A native daughter of North Carolina, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers, Peggy was born September 4, 1932, in Sampson County, NC. Peggy was the only child of Charles Thomas Sutton and Eleana Ellis Sutton Spence. She was the stepdaughter of the late Dr. Zeno Baker Spence, Sr. of Goldsboro, NC. Preceding her in death were her parents, and her beloved husband of 70 years, William Earl “Bill” Smith.

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Karen Smith Knowles (Michael), and her son, Michael David Smith (Sandy) of Fayetteville; four grandchildren, Dr. Russell Emmett Davenport III and wife, Dr. Sasha Sabir Davenport of Charlotte; Laura Alison Davenport Bass, and husband, Sam Quincy Bass III of Raleigh; Charlotte Winifred Davenport Adler and husband Benjamin Alan Adler of Raleigh, and William Brent Smith of Fayetteville; three great grandsons, Alexander Suleiman Davenport, Emmett Shafi Davenport of Charlotte, and Wes Emmett Adler of Raleigh.

After graduating from Rocky Mount High School in 1950, Peggy moved to Goldsboro with her widowed mother, and began working as an actuary for the Denning Insurance Company, using her love of accounting and organizational skills. She soon met the love of her life, Bill, and married on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1953, moving to Fayetteville, where she has since resided.

During her 70 years in Fayetteville, Peggy enjoyed many hobbies and activities, including Bible Study groups at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, her Bridge Clubs, and Miniature collecting clubs. She and Bill enjoyed their retirement years, spending time at the NC coast, and traveling the world with lifelong friends. She was an avid reader, loving historical novels. Peggy was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Liberty Point Chapter.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and enjoyment over the last 40 years, and she surrounded herself with their photos, gifts and cards, treasuring their visits, videos and phone visits.

At her request, no formal services will be held. She will be interred at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church Columbarium in Fayetteville. Our family’s solace comes from the compassionate care, comfort and support provided by the caring staff at Carolina Inn Assisted Living facility, where she resided for over ten years.

Online condolences may be made to www.jerniganwarren.com

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.  

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