April 12, 2026, 93, Goldsboro – Gayle Flanagan Davis Smith, 93, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Pitt County on January 19, 1933, Gayle was the daughter of the late Arch J. Flanagan and Gayle Cheek Flanagan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Harvey L. Davis, Jr. and Jack Hamlin Smith; her son, Harvey Landis Davis, III; her sister, Sue Flanagan Auld; and her brothers, Jay Flanagan and Harold M. Flanagan.
Gayle devoted over three decades of her life to shaping young minds as an elementary teacher with Goldsboro City Schools. For 31 ½ years, she exemplified excellence in education, pouring her heart into her students and inspiring them to learn, grow, and achieve. Teaching was more than her profession—it was her calling, and she made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Gayle was a longtime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. There, she faithfully served on various committees and used her talents and gentle spirit to share God’s love with others. Her life was a reflection of grace, kindness, and quiet service.
Gayle found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She cherished time spent playing bridge with dear friends, tending to her flowers, and working in her yard. As a member of the Garden Club, she nurtured beauty not only in her surroundings but also in the lives of those around her.
She was also a proud member of the National Career Assessment Examination and the Fidelis Omicron Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and professional excellence.
Those who knew Gayle will remember her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love for her family was steadfast and unwavering.
She is survived by her devoted son, Lee Flanagan Davis and his wife, JoAnn Walker Davis; her beloved daughter-in-law, Donna Davis; and her cherished grandchildren, Leslie Davis, Lee Davis, Jr., Kelsey Davis, Kailey Davis, Walker Davis, John Davis, and Adrianna Davis, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy. She also leaves behind her precious great-grandchildren, Gabriel Davis and Julian Davis, who were a special source of happiness in her later years. In addition, Gayle is lovingly remembered by her step-sons, Lloyd Smith and his wife, Karen, and Clifford Smith and his wife, Chiyo, along with their families, all of whom she embraced as her own and loved deeply.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service to celebrate Gayle’s life at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel, with Rev. Phyllis Vail officiating. A private interment will be held at Wayne Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Harvey.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Pat Walker and Lillie Robertson, whose compassion and love allowed Gayle to be cared for in the comfort of her home. They also wish to thank the staff of UNC Health Wayne and Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gayle’s memory to Gentiva Hospice, 2815 Carolina Commerce Drive, Suite D, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
