HENDERSON--Rita Peoples Smith, 76, a resident of 478 West Hills Drive, passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at her home. Born in Vance County on August 7, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Bruce C. Peoples and Helen Medlin Peoples.

Rita was a graduate of Henderson High School and Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia, and received her Masters Degree in English from North Carolina Central University. Rita was a retired English teacher at Vance-Granville Community College and was a member of First Baptist Church, Henderson.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 9, 2018 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church by Dr. Ronald S. Cava and Dr. Marion D. Lark.

She is survived by her husband, Charles "Charley-John" Smith of the home; two sons, Puska Smith of Raleigh and Pepe Smith of Hong Kong, China; one daughter, Josie Smith and partner, Johnnie Best of Greensboro; one sister, Bonnie P. Reidy and husband, Mike of Gastonia; one brother, Allen Peoples and wife, Brenda of Rocky Mount; her sister-in-law, Gloria Watkins of Henderson; and her nieces and nephews, Allen Peoples, Jr. (Mary), Donna Peoples, Mel Grissom (John Walker), Gina Johnson (Paul), and Gavin Grissom (Brittany).

The family will receive friends following the service on Friday in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church. At other times they will be at the home.

Serving as honorary pall bearers will be employees of Vance-Granville Community College.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park, Suite 10, Raleigh, NC 27615

Arrangements are by J. M. White Funeral Home.

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