Gloria Jean Smith

Gloria Jean Smith of Smithfield, VA passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

 As a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Gloria grew up in Morehead City, NC. She attended beauty school during her senior year of high school and received her cosmetology license. She married in 1962 to the love of her life, Loyd Howell Smith and had two children. The family moved often with the Coast Guard. After many years of travel, they settled in Chesapeake, VA. It was there that she started her 30-year career with the Coast Guard Exchange in Portsmouth, VA. In 1992, they moved to Smithfield, VA and became members of Benn’s United Methodist Church, where Gloria enjoyed singing in the choir.

Gloria enjoyed cross-stitching, gardening and being with her family. She loved Jesus and had a very strong faith. She never met a stranger and always made people feel welcome and comfortable in her presence. She will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was predeceased by her parents Julius and Gloria Nelson and step-father Robert Sidney Lentz. She is survived by her husband of over 60 years; children, Loyd Howell Smith Jr. (Lynne) and Shara Elaine Smith Mehailescu (Frank); grandchildren, Matthew, Amanda, Sydney and Patrick; and great-grandchild Mazie.

Services will be held Saturday, August 30th at 11:00 am at Benn’s United Methodist Church in Smithfield, VA, after which a reception will be held in the Family Life Center.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com