Margaret Evelyn Laws Smith
January 14, 1931 – March 1, 2026

Margaret Evelyn Laws Smith, lovingly known as "Nannie," passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on January 14, 1931, in Orange County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Zula Wilson Laws and William "Bill" Laws. She was the second of ten children, growing up alongside eight sisters and one brother whom she loved dearly. Family was always at the heart of who she was.

On Christmas Day in 1949, she married her sweetheart, Ralph Bailey Smith, beginning a lifelong love story rooted in faith and devotion. Ralph preceded her in death in 1980, and her family takes great comfort in the promise that he was waiting to greet her at Heaven's gates. One can only imagine the joy of that long-awaited reunion.

She was the proud mother of Ralph Leroy Smith, Suzanne Smith (Horne), and Connie Jayne Smith.

She was a cherished grandmother to Mathew Smith (Diane), Kyle Smith, Mindy Henderson (Tyler), Ashley Rogers (Ben), and Kelly Horne (Tanya), as well as a very special "grandson," Yeison Orellana. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Kylie Smith; Braxton and Jillian Allen; Kendall and Luke Rogers; Lilly Horne; and Peyton and Blaine Henderson.

She is also survived by her beloved sisters: Martha Holt, Jean Wrenn, Cathy Dickerson, Brenda Hartmetz, and Rita Edenfield.

Margaret shared a treasured friendship with her special friend, Dot, who held a meaningful place in her life.

For many years, she opened her home as "Nannie" to countless children through her home daycare. She cared for them as if they were her own, leaving a lasting imprint on generations of families.

She was a faithful and devoted member of Guess Road Baptist Church and loved her church family deeply. Her love for the Lord was unwavering, and she never missed an opportunity to share her faith.

She found joy in knitting special blankets for her children and grandchildren, tending her garden, visiting with her sisters, and preparing treasured meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas morning. She was especially famous for her chocolate pies, which became a beloved family tradition.

Above all, she will be remembered for her bold spirit, steadfast faith, and the way she loved her family with her whole heart. Her presence was strong, her love was constant, and her legacy will live on for generations.

A celebration of Life Service will be held at Guess Road Baptist Church in Durham, NC on March 7th 2026 with a visitation from 12:00-1:00 and the service beginning at 1:00 PM. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady is serving the family.