Annette Brown Smith

Annette Brown Smith, a devoted follower of Christ, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior after a life filled with faith, family, and service on Monday, October 27th, 2025.

Annette’s love for the Lord was evident in all she did. A gifted speaker and teacher, she shared her passion for God’s Word through Women’s Spiritual Retreats for many years, primarily ministering to churches along the East Coast. She inspired countless women to deepen their faith and discover joy in worship.

While living in Wilmington, Annette was a dedicated member of Pine Valley United Methodist Church and also sang with the Wilmington Celebration Choir, where she joyfully lifted her voice alongside other believers. Her love for music was a reflection of her lifelong desire to worship and glorify God.

Annette’s ministry journey began in Hampstead, North Carolina, where from 1976 to 1984, she served as Youth Director and Young Adult Sunday School teacher at Hampstead Baptist Church during her husband's, Jerry L. Smith pastorate. Later, from 1986 to 1994, she led a vibrant Women’s Ministry at Parkview Baptist Church in Morehead City, North Carolina. Together, she and Jerry also led Marriage Spiritual Retreats and revival efforts at churches throughout the region from 1994 to 2001, touching lives and strengthening families through their shared faith and dedication.

In addition to her ministry, Annette was a talented artist and a devoted scholar of the Bible. Her creativity and curiosity reflected her deep appreciation for God’s creation and truth.

Annette’s greatest joy came from her family, whom she loved deeply. She is survived by her children; Elizabeth Barnes and husband, Kenny, Gary Smith and wife, Sharon, Penny Millis and husband Ron, Michelle Pardoe and her husband, Don; her brother, Charles Wayne Brown and wife, Julia.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kelly Dee Barnes Smith and husband, Gerald, Heather Smith Sullivan and husband, Shaun, Jonathan Livingston Smith and wife, Rene, Christopher Millis and wife, Tonya, Leanne Millis Hester and husband Jonathon, Eric Pardoe and wife, Jenna, Emily Pardoe Farmer and husband, Joe, Anna Pardoe; her great- grandchildren, Gideon Walker Smith, Aubrey Paige Smith, Annabelle Louise Smith, Griffin Michael Smith, Seth Sullivan, Brady Sullivan, Evelyn Smith, Coley Smith, Jaxson Smith, Audrey Smith, Luke Millis, Alexa Millis, Olivia Millis, Noah Millis, Sutton Hester, Riley Hester, Graham Pardoe, Everly Farmer, Eleanor Farmer; her nieces and nephews, Danielle Annette Brown, Charles Wayne Brown, Jr., Thomas Alan Brown, Matthew Aaron Brown, Jason Erik Brown, Stacey Elizabeth Brown, and Stephanie Elaine Brown.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Dr. Jerry Livingston Smith; her parents, Pleasant Quince and Ethel Elizabeth Brown; her brother, Robert Owen Brown; and her granddaughter, Karen Elizabeth Pardoe.

Annette’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, creativity, and compassion. She lived her life as a reflection of God’s grace and love, and her influence will continue to shine through her family and all those blessed to have known her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Annette are welcomed - please click here for Hope Abounds Cancer Network or click here for Gideons International.

Visitation is 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington with the funeral service beginning at 1:30 p.m.  Interment will follow the service at Sea Lawn Memorial Park, 17750 US Highway-17, Hampstead, NC.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington and Brosang Funeral Home in Tyler, TX are serving the family.

910-794-7171

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