Sarah Rebecca Wilder Smith was born July 13, 1930, to Leonard and Mafra Higgins Wilder in Alamance County. They and her beloved twin siblings, Jimmie Wilder and Janie Marks preceded her death on December 30, 2024. Surviving beloved family include siblings Doris Douglas, Charles Wilder, Laura Strickland and Lunell Hinton as well as extended family. She married her neighbor and high school sweetheart, D.J. Smith in 1955 and they moved to Durham and raised four children – Diane Clements married to Randy, Joe Smith, Cindy Jones married to John, and Phil Smith. “Granny Smith” or “Ghee” will be forever cherished by her grandchildren – Brook Crocker and husband Travis, Brad Clements and wife Casey, Anna Jones and Evan Jones along with four great-grandchildren, Lily Rose, Maggie Mae, Bailey and Ashton.
She was known for home-making, caring for neighborhood kids and those in need, especially blessing others with her special jello fruit salad that she loved delivering to shut-ins. During her Corinth Holders and Watts Nursing School days, she scored lots of points for the ladies’ basketball teams. She enjoyed working some in the newborn nurseries at Watts and Durham Regional Hospitals and serving as part-time secretary and in Bible School leadership at Cheek Heights Baptist Church. Over the past several years she treasured the many cards she received from friends and family and the faithful ladies of Durham Memorial Baptist Church where she was a member. Family was very special to her, cherishing any opportunity to gather, fellowship and enjoy a home-cooked meal. She and her late husband will always be best remembered for their devoted and sacrificial care for their beloved son, Joe.
A time of visitation with the family will be held on Friday, January 3, from 12:30 until 1:45 with a service following at 2:00 in the Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, 211 W. Third Street in Wendell. Burial will follow at the Corinth Baptist Church cemetery, 13450 Hwy 96 in Zebulon, once part of the Smith family home place.
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Diane, Joe, Cindy, and Phil, our heartfelt condolences go out to each of you and to all who knew and loved Aunt Sarah. She was a wonderful woman and a treasured Aunt.
Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you during this difficult time.
Brook, we are praying for you and your family during this time.
Mrs. Sarah was such a beautiful soul. She graduated with my Dad, Wilbur Johnson, and they went to the same Church. Wilbur spoke of the Wilder family often, and he called the Wilder daughters, Pappy’s Little Darlings. Mrs. Sarah also helped to name me without realizing it. She brought home a friend from nursing school named Marti Poppy. My Daddy liked the sound of that name so much that when I was born, he named me Marty.
Dear Diane and Philip and family,I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet Mother. I remember her kindness and beautiful smile every time I used to see her at church,or wait on her and Joe at CCB at Wellons Village. And also she was my nurse when our son, Andy was born at Durham Regional in 1988. Just always so kind and helpful and sweet. Praying God’s comfort for you all during this time.
Phillip, I am sorry to hear about your mother. Mrs. Sarah was always so sweet. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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