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Bernice Warbington Smith, age 89, of Pinehurst, died Monday, July 15, 2019, at her residence.

Born in Gwinnett County, she was the daughter of the late James Dewey Warbington and Emma Doby Warbington.  She came to Dooly County at the age of 11 and graduated from Pinehurst High School where she met her husband, the late Dilbon W. Smith.  She was a dedicated wife and mother and was affectionately known to her grandchildren and her church family as “Granny.”

Bernice worked side by side with her husband on the farm in the early years of their marriage, kept the household running and selflessly tended to young and old family members as the need arose.  She was skilled at the sewing machine, but was best known for the blankets she crocheted for her family, especially her grandbabies.  Bernice had a quick wit and enjoyed “cutting up” with her friends and acquaintances.

She was a member of Midway Independent Methodist Church, where she participated in a variety of church activities.  She was church pianist for many years and continued to serve as church organist until her mobility prevented it in 2018.  She set an example of perseverance and dedication.

She is survived by her sons, Wayne L. Smith (Susan) of Pinehurst and Dilbon Rene Smith (Angela) of Americus; her daughter, Phyllis S. Roney (Steve) of Vienna; her brother, James Doby Warbington, Sr. (Betty) of Vienna; her sister, Janis W. Stewart of Kingman, AZ; her grandchildren, Dave Morgan, Emily Brubaker, Josh Smith, Mary Beth Goodroe, Chris Roney, Nissa Wehunt, Ben Roney, Connie Cruz, Taylor Strickland, Kate Jackson, Sara Westra and Chance Westra; her great grandchildren, Claire Morgan, Philip Morgan, Elise Brubaker, Amelia Brubaker, Kaeli Smith, Kailee Steward, Landon Smith, Sage Goodroe, Allison Roney, Luke Roney, Samantha Roney, Abigail Wehunt, Aiden Wehunt, Cameron Cruz, Rai Cruz, Carter Strickland,Jaden Freeman, Sophia Strickland, and Trip Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dilbon W. Smith, her daughter, Wanda S. Dunaway, her sons, John Dewey Smith and Philip Smith and her great granddaughter, Alyssa Wehunt.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Wednesday, July 17 in Midway Independent Methodist Church with interment in Pinehurst City Cemetery.

The family may be contacted at 750 Kent Smith Road, Pinehurst.

Memorial gifts may be made to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, 3395 NE Expressway, Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. (designated to AFLAC center: Child Life or Family Services supplies) (to make a child’s stay in the hospital more pleasant)

Friends may register online at www.brannen-nesmith.com.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Vienna has charge of arrangements.