DeAnna (Dee) Bowen Smith, 47, of Stella, passed away December 15, 2018. She was born in Laurinburg, NC, on December 31, 1970 to Donald and Martha Bowen. Dee is survived by her by loving husband, Phil, and her loving son, Brock, of Stella, NC; brother, Ray Bowen of Spartanburg, SC, mother-in-law, Sherry Smith of Newport, NC; and brothers-in-law, Kenny and Kevin Smith of TN. She is preceded in death by her son, Van Smith, and her parents.

Dee was a professional educator and advocate for children. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Barton College in 1994 and her Masters of Elementary Education from UNC- Wilmington in 2007. As a teacher, Dee served in elementary and middle schools in Scotland and Onslow Counties. She was a leader in our schools and an example of excellence for all teachers and students. She inspired students to love learning and teachers to love teaching.  From kindergarteners to middle schoolers, Dee could captivate a class of children with her contagious enthusiasm.  Math was a favorite subject for many children who had Mrs. Smith for their teacher!  In more recent years, Dee taught young children about the bible at Swansboro United Methodist Church.  She loved God, her family, animals, reading, and being outdoors. She had an infectious laugh and smile that would light up the room.  She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

Her impact on her family will forever live on. She has provided guidance and perspective that will continue throughout their lives. As a wife, mother, sister, daughter she had and instilled unconditional love, commitment, optimism, and inspiration to her entire family.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 17 from 5-7 pm at Jones Funeral Home, 406 Hammocks Rd. Swansboro, NC. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, December 19 at 5 pm at Swansboro United Methodist Church 665 W. Corbett Ave. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to seaturtlehospital.org or misplacedmutts.com.