Audrey Celestine Smith

Audrey Celestine Smith, of Lenoir, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at the age of 96. A pillar of faith and family, she leaves behind a legacy of strength, wisdom, and a profound, loving influence on all who knew her.

Born on January 25, 1930, Audrey was the eldest of ten children and served as a strong matriarch for her family. Though she did not have children of her own, she was a devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews and a beloved babysitter for numerous friends and family members over the years.

Audrey retired from Bernhardt Furniture Corporate Office where she worked the majority of her career.

A faithful, longtime member of North Catawba Baptist Church, Audrey was a long-standing Sunday school teacher. She shared her deep knowledge of the Bible and loved reciting scripture and discussing biblical history. She was also a dedicated choir member who enjoyed singing and often led the music while an active participant in numerous WMU activities.

Audrey loved to read, write in her journal, play cards, and complete cryptoquotes and crossword puzzles. She liked to take walks and tell many stories of her childhood. She enjoyed educating you about history, literature, grammar, and would often recite long poems or short stories that she had memorized during her school days. She frequently could be found sitting by her front window, watching birds and sipping a cup of hot tea.

Audrey’s sharp memory and lively wit will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Pansy Smith, and six siblings: Hillard Smith, Bob Smith, Rodney Smith, Willard Guy Smith, Dale Smith, and Sandra Miller. She is survived by her siblings, Penny Smith, Sabra Haigler, and Danny Smith, along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on May 31, from 2:00-5:00 at The HUB Station, Hudson, NC.

Evans Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to North Catawba Baptist Church.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Audrey Celestine Smith.