Bertha Smith Wolfskeil

Bertha Smith Wolfskeil

May 15, 2023, 90, Goldsboro –

Bertha Smith Wolfskeil passed away on May 15, 2023, at her home. Bertha was born in Wayne County to the late Perry D Smith and Pearl Faircloth Smith. On May 12, 1951, Bertha married the love of her life, George Wolfskeil, Jr. They were married for 66 years until his death. Her heart is now complete once again.

George and Bertha made quite the couple from the very beginning. George was a sailor and this did not sit well with Bertha’s father. He, of course, wanted his daughter close. So they paved their own way. Their path was full of adventure, travel, and the blessing of raising a beautiful family. There was also challenge and pain. Losing their son, George Allen, was one of the most difficult things they would endure. But together, they persevered. Their faith helped to guide their steps even when the path seemed so unknown.

Raised by tenant farmers in Wayne County, Bertha was no stranger to hard work. She knew what it meant to overcome difficulties and accomplish goals. She worked as a bookkeeper for much of her career, at Franklin Baking for 11 years, then retired from Johnson Sherman Company after 25 years. After retirement, Bertha began a part-time job at the Plantation Shoppe where she met many customers who became friends. She worked there until George’s health was failing and she wanted to be able to take care of him.

Bertha loved her family with all her heart. George was the one for her. And her children made her world even better. Bertha supported her children in all of their activities, making sure to never miss a function or ballgame. Being a mother was her calling in life and she lived this out with all she had to give. As much as her children meant to her, she had no idea how much she could love anyone as much as she did her granddaughter, Melissa – and then her great-grandchildren. Her family and her love just continued to expand and it brought her more joy than she could have imagined. This carried on to her extended family as well. They became like her own children.

Bertha and George attended church regularly as their health permitted, at Saint Luke United Methodist Church, and were members of the Discussion Sunday School Class. Bertha was a Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a Past Mother Advisor for the Rainbow Girls, and she supported George in his many Masonic and Shrine affiliations.

Bertha lived a good and Godly life and will be dearly missed by her family and all that knew and loved her.

Bertha is survived by her daughter, Susan Wolfskeil Smith (Russell Keith Smith) of Goldsboro; granddaughter, Melissa Dail Carr (Edward Carr) of Goldsboro; great-granddaughters, Madison Joe Batton and Makenzie Jayde Batton both of Goldsboro; brother-in-law, Ashley Kennedy of Goldsboro; sister-in-law, Clara Smith of Kinston; along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Wolfskeil, Jr.; her son, George Allen Wolfskeil; sister, Ann Smith Kennedy; and brother, William E. (Bill) Smith.

A service to celebrate Bertha’s life will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Pastor Karl Grant officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. A graveside service will be on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in Wayne Memorial Park.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to

St. Luke United Methodist Church
1608 E. Pine Street
Goldsboro, NC 27530

Carolina Boxer Rescue
PO Box 87
Hampstead NC 28443

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

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