Charlotte Lee Smith

Charlotte Lee Barbour Smith, 75, of Selma, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, with her devoted husband, Donald Franklin Smith (“Duck”), by her side. Born on October 17, 1950, in Franklin, Virginia, Charlotte was the daughter of the late Willie and Carol Stanley Barbour. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Aubrey Daniel Barker (“Danny”), whose birthday would have been June 23.

A graveside service will be held in Selma Memorial Gardens on Sunday June 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

Charlotte loved and missed her son dearly every day. Charlotte loved her family above all else and always put their needs before her own. Countless times she placed her own life on hold to help others, and Duck was always by her side supporting her. Charlotte worked as a nurse’s aide in nursing homes and later cared for hospice patients in their homes. Her patients quickly became like family. She often shared stories and photographs of them, and when one of her patients passed away, she mourned their loss deeply for days. Charlotte also had a passion for cooking and baking, especially during the holidays. She was well known for her homemade buttermilk and coconut pies, which she lovingly shared with family and friends at Christmas and throughout the year. She never cooked for just a few people—there was always enough food for an army, and she made sure everyone left with leftovers. After Thanksgiving each year, she would prepare plates of food and personally deliver them to her patients.

Charlotte is survived by her loving husband, Donald Franklin Smith (“Duck”), of Selma; her brother, Tommy Barbour of Selma; her sister, Jackie Seare, and her husband, John, of Selma; her son, David Barker, and his wife, Kim, of Smithfield; her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Barker Bridges, and her husband, Gary, of Clayton; stepdaughters, Karey Ann Smith of Wendell; Tammy Reker, and husband Daniel, of Durham. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Tyler Barker of Charlotte; Ginger McGee and her husband, Ali Rahhal, of Cary; Aubree Smith and her husband, Caleb, of Greensboro; and Amanda Bryant and her husband, Trevor Bryant, of Smithfield. Her great-grandchildren include Lily Lisanti, Isaac Lisanti, Luca Lisanti, Ameer Rahhal, Musa Rahhal, Ali McGee, Ember Smith, Ivy Smith, Jonathan Bryant, Everleigh Bryant, Olivia Bruton, and Luna Hawley Reker. She is also survived by her niece, Angelique Rose of Angier, and her nephew, Bunky Rose of Pine Level.

Charlotte will be remembered for her selfless heart, unwavering compassion, generous spirit, and the unconditional love she gave to her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched.

Flowers are welcome or memorials can be made to Heartland Hospice, 4515 Fall of Neuse Rd., Ste. 420, Raleigh, NC 27609, or Hospice of Wilson, 1901 Tarboro St., SW, Suite 301, Wilson, NC 27893

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at Parrishfh.com