Margaret P. Smith

Margaret Elizabeth Smith of Laurel, Delaware, age 98, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025. She was born in Mt. Airy, North Carolina on August 22, 1926, to the late Mary and Romey Poore. She grew up in the Moravian Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir.

After graduating high school with honors, Margaret married Kyle Smith upon his return from service in WWII in 1946. They settled into married life in Mt. Airy where he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and she in the local bank. Soon they built a home and gave birth to two daughters, Miriam and Rebecca. In 1953, Kyle received a clear call to the ministry and the family moved to High Point, North Carolina. In 1959, Kyle was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Margaret, as the minister's wife, was a full partner with him in ministry serving churches in North Carolina, Maryland, and Delaware. She engaged in homemaking and caring for her daughters throughout numerous moves. She hosted many open house events for parishioners with her characteristic southern hospitality. Margaret complimented Kyle's pastoral care with her radiant smile and gracious manner.

After retiring from ministry in 1986, Margaret and Kyle moved to Laurel, Delaware. In retirement, Margaret relished the opportunity to settle into and decorate her home knowing she need not move again. She continued to develop her skills as a seamstress making beautiful clothes for her grandchildren as she had done for herself and daughters throughout the years. Margaret enjoyed cooking and seeing her family well cared for. She delighted in her family's accomplishments.

Margaret is survived by her two daughters, Miriam and her husband Rev. Charles Maloney of Virginia, and Rebecca and her husband, Rey Wayne Grier of Delaware; six grandchildren, Heather Maloney and her husband Corey Silverman of Florida, Jason Maloney and his wife Amy of Virginia, Erin Grier of Delaware, Joel Grier and his wife Kayla of Maine, Paul Maloney and his wife Jenny of Virginia, and Katherine Maloney of Virginia; five great-grandchildren, Liam Charles Wright Maloney of Virginia, Ella Mae Maloney Silverman and Mylo Maloney Silverman, both of Florida, Wesley Kenneth Grier and Zoey Rebecca Grier, both of Maine.

A funeral service will be held at Barratt's Chapel in Frederica, Delaware on Thursday, June 26 at noon, with visitation beginning at 11:30am. Interment will follow the service at Barratt's Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made to Vitas Healthcare, 100 Commerce Drive, Suite 302, Newark, DE 19713 (note on memo line "In memory of Margaret P. Smith"), or to a favorite church or charity.