Catherine "Kate" Smith

The loving Catherine McMillan Smith, fondly known as Kate, of Wagram, NC departed this life at the age of 75 on September 27, 2023.

Kate was born March 6, 1948 in Hoke County, North Carolina, daughter of the late Joseph Fulford McMillan, Sr., and the late Lucy Sumner McMillan. On August 29, 1969, she would marry the love of her life, Samuel T. Smith who adoringly called her his “Sunshine” they would share a beautiful life together for 54 years. Kate was a devoted homemaker along with being a valuable team member of the DuPont Pioneer Seed Company working as their shipping coordinator retiring after 26 years of service.  She was honored to have been awarded as a former Honorary Seedsman of the Year for South Carolina.

Kate was a faithful member of the Montpelier Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder Emeritus. She loved to read, work in her garden, crocheting, and cross-stitching. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her five adored grandchildren. She also found peaceful relaxation at her favorite place in Sunset Beach, NC. Kate will be greatly missed and affectionately remembered as an adored and loving wife, a precious mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by brother, John William “Bill” McMillan.

Left to cherish her memory are husband, Samuel Smith of their home; son, Wayne Thomas Smith of Laurinburg; daughters, Catherine Smith McLaurin (Mac) of McColl, SC, and Lucy Smith Gottlieb (Rich) of Willow Spring; brother, Joseph Fulford “Joe” McMillan, Jr., of Pinehurst; sister, Gayle McMillan Ellis of Raeford; her grandchildren, Leah Gottlieb, Zachary Gottlieb, Anna Gottlieb, Sarah McLaurin, and Sumner McLaurin; in addition to a host of loving family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the Montpelier Presbyterian Church officiated by Pastor Pat Ramsden.  The family will have a time of visitation following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to be made in Kate's memory to Montpelier Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 407, Wagram, NC   28396 or Scotland Regional Hospice, Post Office Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353.

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