Julia Davis Smith

Julia Davis Smith, 84, of Wake Forest, formerly of Belhaven, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, December 6, 2025, at Transitions LifeCare. She was born in Wake County on November 23, 1941, to the late Alfred & Mabel Kenyon Davis.

A proud graduate of Broughton High School, Julia went on to earn her nursing degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. With a heart dedicated to service, she entered public health nursing, always seeking to serve in places where care was most needed. Her passion for children and community later led her to be instrumental in the creation of the nursing program within Wake County Public School System, where she served as director until her retirement. Her work touched countless lives and established a foundation of care that will continue to benefit students and families for generations.

After her husband, Joseph Earl Smith, Jr., retired, the couple moved to Belhaven, where they shared many joyful years until his passing in 2021. Julia later returned to Wake Forest to be close to her family, who lovingly surrounded her in her final years.

Julia embraced a creative and fulfilling life. She enjoyed painting, reading, playing the piano, and treasuring every moment with her family. Her greatest happiness, however, came from time spent with her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply.

Julia is survived by her sons, Kemper Battle Smith (Christy Sekelsky) of Wake Forest and Joseph C. “Jody” Smith (Victoria Tabor Smith) of Youngsville; grandchildren, Shelby Greer Smith (Zach Rodgers) of Richmond, VA, and Hannah Rae Lynn (Ryan Lynn) of Wake Forest; her brother, James C. “Jimmy” Davis (Deborah Tant) of Winston-Salem; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved her well.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Earl Smith, Jr., and her brother, Walter Kenyon Davis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, whose compassionate care brought comfort and dignity to Julia and her family.

Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2025 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919)556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com