Mae Elizabeth Smith

On Sunday, July 26, 2026, God, in His infinite wisdom, gently called His beloved daughter, Mrs. Mae Elizabeth Smith, from labor to eternal rest in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Born on August 29, 1957, in Rockingham, North Carolina, Mae was the cherished daughter of the late Mr. Elgie Little and Priscilla Little. She was educated in the Richmond County School System, where she developed a love for learning and a passion for serving others that remained with her throughout her life.

Mrs. Mae Elizabeth Smith was the definition of kindness, compassion, and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, treasured grandmother, caring aunt, faithful friend, and beloved neighbor. To know Mae was to love her. Her radiant smile could brighten any room, and her heart was truly made of gold. She carried herself with grace and dignity, often described as royalty by those who knew her best.

A faithful servant of God, Mae was a dedicated member of Sidney Grove Church of Deliverance in Ellerbe, North Carolina. She loved her church family and found great joy in worship, fellowship, and serving alongside those she considered family in Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she trusted God through every season.

Her greatest joy was caring for children. Whether through her work in daycare or by opening her own home to care for little ones, she dedicated her life to nurturing generations of children with patience, love, and wisdom. Every child she encountered became one of her own, and many adults today carry fond memories of the love, guidance, and encouragement she freely gave. Known affectionately as “Aunt Mae,” “Mae Mae,” or “Mrs. Mae,” she answered every name with the same warm smile and loving embrace. She never met a stranger, and everyone who crossed her path has a cherished story or special memory of the remarkable woman she was.

When she wasn’t caring for others, Mae enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved traveling to new places, shopping with family and friends, reading a good book, and spending quiet evenings watching classic old movies. These moments brought her peace and happiness, but nothing compared to the joy she found in spending time with those she loved.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Elgie Little and Mrs. Pricilla Little, daughter, Ms. Katina Delois Little; and her sisters, Mrs. Betty Jean Smith, Mrs. Pauline Harris, Mrs. Doris Chavis, and Mrs. Donnie Little.

She leaves a legacy of love to be cherished by her husband of 50 years, Marshall Smith of Ellerbe, North Carolina; her children: James Little (Sonia) of Pembroke, North Carolina; Marshall Smith of Rockingham, North Carolina; Bonus Son, Henry Little, of Asheboro, North Carolina Keshia Smith of Mount Gilead, North Carolina; Jennifer Everett (Demetrius) of Ellerbe, North Carolina; bonus daughters Latoya Robinson of Rockingham, North Carolina, Victorian Robinson, of Ellerbe, North Carolina, and Felicia Robinson of Ellerbe, North Carolina. She also leaves to cherish her precious memory 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers Mr. Bobby Wilson, Sanford, North Carolina, and Mr. Lewis Little, of Norman, North Carolina. Two brothers-in-law: Mr. Henry Smith (Sharon) of Jackson Springs, North Carolina, and Mr. Albert Smith of Ellerbe, North Carolina.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her sisters-in-law: Ella Louise Smith of Ellerbe, North Carolina; Onza Colson of Ellerbe, North Carolina; Rosa Lee Caple of Rockingham, North Carolina; Sylvia Martin of Rockingham, North Carolina.

Her beloved “ride-or-die” sister and best friends, Mrs. Ella Louise Smith and Mrs. Thelma Ford of Ellerbe, North Carolina.

She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, neighbors, and dear friends. They are too numerous to name individually, but each one held a special place in her heart, and she loved them all equally.

Mrs. Mae Elizabeth Smith’s life was a beautiful example of selfless love, unwavering faith, and service to others. Her legacy will continue through every child she nurtured, every life she touched, and every heart she filled with love.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that her earthly journey is complete and that she now rests peacefully in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father.