Susie Parrish Smith, age 58, of Richmond County, North Carolina, passed away on May 1, 2026, at Richmond Co. Hospice Haven in Rockingham, North Carolina.
She was born on July 26, 1967 in Richmond County, a daughter of Sarah Carter Parrish and the late Nelson Willard Parrish Jr.
Susie was a lifelong resident of the area and a proud graduate of Richmond Senior High School. She spent many years serving as office manager at the Richmond County Daily Journal. Later in life, she worked at Champion Ford.
Faith was an important part of Susie’s life, and she attended Calvary Baptist Church. She found joy in simple pleasures and treasured the moments that brought her peace and happiness. She loved the beach and enjoyed cruises, and she found satisfaction in gardening. Music from the 1980s held a special place in her heart, and she enjoyed the memories and comfort that came with those familiar songs. She was also a devoted fan of the Tar Heels, the Yankees, and the Cowboys.
Above all else, Susie loved spending time with her family. Her greatest joy came from being surrounded by the people she loved most, and she cherished every opportunity to share life with them. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother whose presence brought comfort and happiness to those closest to her.
She was preceded in death by her father Nelson Willard Parrish Jr.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Frye and the Rev. Bill Monroe officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, James Smith; her daughters, Hannah Michelle Stern (Daniel) and Kimberly Dawn Lopez (Angel); her mother, Sarah Carter Parrish; her sister, Tracey Parrish; and her grandchildren, William Christopher Smith, Nolan Curtis Hester and Julian Grey Lopez. Each of them will carry forward the memory of her love, her laughter, and the many ways she enriched their lives.
The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet and at other times at her home 599 Freeman Mill Road, Hamlet.
Memorials may be made to Richmond Co. Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy. 1 N. Rockingham, NC 28379; or Calvary Baptist Church, 406 McDonald Ave. Hamlet, NC 28345.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Smith family.
