Ima Jean Smith

Ima Jean Smith, 82, of Advance, NC, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022 after a period of declining health.  Ima Jean was born on July 29, 1939 in Winston-Salem, NC.  Her parents Phyllis and Clifton Cook raised a child who would become a beloved sister, mother and friend. After graduating from Gray High School in 1957, she worked for a short while before she met Charles E. Smith, and they wed in February 1959, going on to have two children, Glenda Leigh (Farley) Howard and Donald Gray Smith. She dedicated her life to being a loving and wonderful mother and added to that by returning to work for AON Risk and Insurance until she retired in the mid 1990’s.  Ima Jean encouraged her family and friends through all the aspirations and difficulties of their lives.  She always seemed to have the right words to say that conveyed her compassion and encouragement for any occasion.  Ima Jean was an envied cook and talented crafter.  When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found filling Bethlehem United Methodist Church with her spirit of love and service.  She also shared her spirit of service by volunteering for the Davie Campus of the Wake Forest Baptist Hospital shortly after they opened that facility.  Ima Jean was predeceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by her brother, Clifton Wayne (Mary) Cook of Kingsport, TN, sisters Anne (Tex) Leonard of Pfafftown, Bonnie Cook of Winston-Salem. Her children, Glenda (Farley) Howard of Rocky Point and Donald Smith of Advance.  Her grandchildren Dana Courtemanche of Salisbury, Kelly Fravel of Rocky Point and Kenneth Vann Smith of Aurora CO.  Her great grandchildren, Emily Courtemanche, Kiera Woodard and Abel Fravel.  A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church by Dr. Suzanne G. Michael.  Entombment will follow in the church cemetery.  Ima Jean Smith will lie in state from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service at the church.  The family will receive friends following the service.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 321 Redland Rd. Advance, NC 27006 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 3069 Trenwest Dr. Winston-Salem, NC 27103.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com