JACKSONVILLE  -  Dottie Helms Smith, 77, of Jacksonville, NC, passed away peacefully at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC, Thursday, September 4, 2025, but now resides in her heavenly home.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Jacksonville, with Pastor Damon Williamson officiating.  Burial will follow at Onslow Memorial Park.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson Reese Helms, Sr. and Nancy Mullis Helms; brother, Wilson Reese Helms, Jr.; sister, Judy Rogers; and grandson, Cyrus Jackson Smith.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Sammy G. Smith; sister, Patti Peters; her two sons, Lee Smith (Hilary) of Gastonia, NC and Mitch Smith (Kimberly) of Chinquapin, NC; her grandchildren, Leah, Rogan, Lily and Sadie; her great-grandchild, Hudson Smith; and many very special nieces and nephews.

Dottie loved spending time with her family and friends, worshipping with those she cherished, and celebrating God's creation outdoors.  She was always quick to laugh and express her love.  Dottie will be deeply missed by her friends and family, but we find comfort in knowing this is not our home, and we celebrate the promise of eternity offered to all through Jesus Christ.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Family Life Center, 100 Half Moon Road, Jacksonville, NC 28546