Vera Lea DeVane Smith, age 89, of Wilmington went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

She was born October 18, 1927 in Bladen County, North Carolina the daughter of the late Thomas J. DeVane and Estelle Brown DeVane. She is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Mr. J. Erwin Smith Sr.; and four brothers, Thomas J. DeVane, Wesley C. DeVane, Durwood DeVane and Elmer D. DeVane.

Vera was a very active and devoted member at her church where she taught Sunday School with the young children and at one point was a member of Long Leaf Baptist Church. She was a fantastic and loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend that had a generous spirit, kind heart and deep faith. Nothing made her happier that to bring joy to other's lives and spend time in the company of her family and close friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, James. "Jim" E. Smith and wife Deb of Georgia; daughter, Deirdre "DeeDee" Byrnes and husband David of Wilmington, NC; two grandchildren, Douglas Smith and Alexander Byrnes; Two sisters, Carolyn Hardie and Josephine Kelly and husband John; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and other loving family.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Haw Bluff Baptist Church, 1433 Haw Bluff Road, Ivanhoe, NC.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401.

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Quinn McGowen Wilmington Chapel, 315 Willow Woods Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409. 910.794.7171