Eileen Kay Smith
Born to Paul and Theyra Smith in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Eileen transitioned into Heaven from her home in Raleigh, NC.
She came into this world with a smile and spirit as big as the sky, and became the light of every room she was in. Eileen was spunky little sis to brothers Ken and Phil, the Class Clown, the Entertainer…always, the entertainer! A butterfly that left her magic everywhere she went.
Blessed with the superpower of JOY, Eileen’s impact on everyone who knew her cannot fully be measured. Her light, her presence, her love of people…all legendary. To know her was to love her. To be loved by her, well, that was the gift of a lifetime.
“Smitty” was one of one. Eileen often told the story of how she ended up in the US Army. She fell in love with the uniform of the military recruiter that came to her high school. “I want to wear that!” She signed up before telling her parents, and spent the next 30 years serving our country; six years active duty and 24 years in the US Army Reserves. Rising to the rank of Master Sargent and becoming a senior instructor were among her proudest accomplishments. She taught all facets of leadership to include land navigation, traits of a leader, effective speaking, writing, and counseling. She remained dear friends the rest of her life with many who served alongside her, especially the 3286th USAR.
Eileen brought people together. She was the family genealogist, class reunion enthusiast, and unofficial event photographer. If you were there, she was going to get a picture of you and post it on facebook! She collected people everywhere she went, including strangers in restaurants.
She lived the values of her strong faith. Love God with all your heart, but don’t force your beliefs on anyone else. Be the example. Love your neighbors — all of them.
She graduated Port Allegany class of 1960, earned a degree in Business Administration at Western Carolina University, worked 17 years as a controller at Carolina Power & Light, and 19 years as a successful real estate agent. She was a servant leader in every role she had, especially cherishing a mission trip to Mexico in 2008.
For every occasion, she had a quip, a quote or a treasured saying passed down. She especially loved the many sayings from her Father like “I’m glad you got to see me,” and “If the next year goes by as quickly as the last one, it’ll be over by next week.”
While our Earthly world feels a bit dimmer without her shine, Heaven clearly got a glow up when she arrived. She is, no doubt, reunited with dear loved ones, being the life of the party, holding court with a story, a song, and a smile.
She is survived by her devoted partner of 29 years Wendy Broome and their dog Belle; brothers Paul Kenneth Smith (Carol) and Philip Lucas Smith (Ann); bonus children and grandchildren, a legion of beloved cousins and relatives, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. We’re certain she would gently insert how many “first cousin, once removed” instances there are!
The family thanks Eileen and Wendy’s many longtime dear friends and neighbors who have been such a joyful part of their lives.
We will celebrate her homegoing with gatherings in North Carolina and Pennsylvania in the coming months. Thank you all for loving her. She loved you right back.
As her mother once said, “Lord, I can’t do another thing with her - she’s all yours.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in her name to your favorite charity, and to do something every day that brings you JOY!