Clarissa Dail Massey, 81, resident of the Smithfield area, passed away Friday afternoon, November 24, 2023, at her residence.
Mrs. Massey was a native of the Scott’s Store section of Duplin County. She graduated from the B. F. Grady High School, had worked at Young Squire Industries, along with Mount Olive Sportswear, for a good number of years, and then began private house cleaning and custodial services. Later she would become employed with Johnston Community College on its custodial staff and had been named Employee of the Year for her exemplary service.
Mrs. Massey is survived by her son and his wife, Rodolph and Sharon Miller King of Beaufort, NC; two step-sons, Michael Massey and his wife, Debbie, of Smithfield, and Jamie Massey of Princeton; her twin sister, Clara Dail Gwaltney of Dudley; five grandchildren, Jessica King Trull and husband, Jason, of Kinston, Christina King and wife, Sherry, of Charlotte, Rodolph Dale King and wife, Whitney, of Hartsville, SC, Christopher King of Philadelphia, Penn., and Heather Hamilton of Hubert; four great-grandchildren, Molly, Dylan, and Carson Trull, and Daxton King; six step-grandchildren, Erica Edwards and husband, Josh, the Rev. Todd Massey and wife, April, Sam Massey, Sarah Massey Boyatt and husband, Cody, and Ben Massey; and step-great-grandchildren, Hope, Eli, Ethan, and Sonny. Also surviving is Phyllis Starling who provided exemplary in-home care for both Mrs. Massey and her husband.
Mrs. Massey was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Massey, Sr.., and her parents, Wiley T. and Vera Mae Guy Dail.
A service in which to remember the life of Mrs. Clarissa Massey will be held Monday, November 27, at 6:00 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive, and will be officiated by the Rev. Todd Massey, with visitation to follow. Entombment in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive will follow a committal service on Tuesday, November 28, at 11:00 a.m.
