Milly Handy Smith

Milly Handy Smith, 82, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at her residence in Mebane, North Carolina. Born on November 23, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Richard DeWitt Hanby and Elizabeth Pointer Hanby, Milly's life was a testament to the power of kindness and the enduring strength of family bonds. Milly's journey through life was marked by her unwavering devotion to her family and her community. She was the cherished wife of the late V. David Smith, and together they built a legacy of love and commitment that continued to flourish through their children and grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Sara Smith Cox and her husband David, her son, David Smith, and her adored grandchildren, Brady Davidson Smith and Aidan Zane Smith. Milly's spirit will also live on through the many loving nieces and nephews who were blessed to know her. Her passing was preceded by that of her beloved husband, her parents, and her sister, Nancy Dunn. Milly's professional life was spent as a florist in Alamance County, where she brought joy and beauty to countless lives through her floral creations. Her artistry and passion for flowers were evident in every arrangement she crafted, and her warm presence made her a favorite among her clients and colleagues alike. A dedicated member of Hawfields Presbyterian Church, Milly's faith was a cornerstone of her existence. Her involvement in the church community was not just a duty but a source of great joy and fulfillment. She served with grace and humility, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of comfort to those in need. Beyond her work and church activities, Milly was known for her hobbies that reflected her nurturing soul. She found pleasure in crocheting, a craft through which she expressed her creativity and love for her family, gifting them with handmade treasures that will be cherished for generations. Her talent for making floral arrangements extended into her personal life, where she delighted in creating beautiful displays for her friends and family to enjoy. Milly and her late husband shared a passion for travel, exploring new places together and creating memories that Milly would fondly recount to her grandchildren. These stories will remain a source of inspiration and adventure for her family, reminding them of the joy and curiosity that Milly embraced throughout her life. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday January 5, 2026 at the Hawfields Presbyterian Church Cemetery with the Pastor David Ealy officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Sunday January 4, 2026 at the McClure Funeral Home in Mebane. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice at 918 Chapel Hill Rd. Burlington, NC 27215. McClure Funeral Home in Mebane is assisting the family.