Karen Elaine Smith, 63, of De Soto, formerly of Wilmington, Del., died Dec. 21, 2021, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Ms. Smith worked four years as a chef in Wilmington at two retirement communities, Stonegates and later at The Lorelton, until her health began to decline in the early 2000s. Around 2007, she relocated to Olive Branch, Miss, then in 2013 to De Soto. She was born Nov. 10, 1958, in Dunn, N.C., the daughter of the late Hattie B. Smith, who preceded her in death early last year.
She is survived by a son: Kevin T. Smith of De Soto; two grandchildren: Areena K. Smith and Sebastian A. Smith; two brothers: James E. Smith of Dunn, N.C., and Ronnie L. Smith of Wilmington, Del.; three sisters: Jacqueline S. (Alexander) Baah of Youngsville, N.C., Lorraine Cannon of Wilmington, Del., and Alder L. Smith of Dunn, N.C.; an aunt: Betty L. Smith of Dunn, N.C.; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews; and her extended family, friends and caregivers Shirley, Jamie, Lisa, Cindy, Muriah and Amie. She was preceded in death by a brother: Norman H. Smith.
Ms. Smith will be laid to rest in Dunn, NC. Planning is in progress for funeral services, coordinated between Dafford Funeral Home and Mahn Funeral Home in De Soto.