July 15, 2026, 88, Princeton – Blois Faye Vaughn Smith, 88, of Princeton, has crossed over and ascended into Heaven. She passed away at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. She was born in Johnston County on March 4, 1938 and was the eldest of four children born to the late Furney Leamon Vaughn and Beulah Lee Lamm Vaughn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Ray Smith; sons, Donnie and Mark Smith; daughter, Jackie Smith Radcliff; brothers, Roy Vaughn, A. B. Vaughn, and Raymond Vaughn.
Blois was married to Ray smith for 63 years and together they had 5 children. Anyone who knew Blois knew she had a real passion for working with her hands. It was not unusual to pass her home and find her in her yard working diligently, even into the late hours of the evening. It is said that a flower that is plucked will soon lose its allure and will wither and die. She enjoyed the bounty of her flower gardens and only removed blooms that were no longer alive. By her side for many years were countless pets. On many occasions, one , if not many of her grandchildren would be in her yard playing, or attempting to help her in some way.
Blois’ late husband was a brick mason by trade, and she worked alongside Ray for some years. The home place on Old Hinton Road was built by Blois, Ray and their son, Mark Smith. The stone fireplace was the work of Blois. Blois even drew up the blueprints for the home. Ray was a true artist at his craft and took pride in his work and by her side through the designing and building of their home.
Blois was a seamstress, often sewing Easter dresses – to name a few of her creations – for her girls, grandchildren and others, as well as curtains, bedspreads and countless other things.
Church on Sundays – to walk home in downtown Princeton with the aroma of beef roast with carrots and potatoes wafting through the air, homemade biscuits and homemade tea and of course, some type of dessert. Sometimes a trip to Scott’s BBQ for a tray of BBQ and slaw. Often times spending Sunday afternoons with cousins in a front living room, spinning records and dancing while the adults visited in another room. So many memories.
She attended Ardon School of Cosmetology and later opened several salons in Princeton, finally opening her last business there where she coiffed many a client’s hair. An accident where one of her horses became just a little too rambunctious caused her to later close her business, but many memories and laughs remained.
One of the memories by her children was Blois taking them, cousins and friends to Kenly Skating Rink in Kenly, NC. She would load up the vehicle, playpen and all, along with all the anxious, excited kids to go skating from the time it opened until closing. Fun was had by all!
These are but a few of Blois’ qualities and love of life and her family.
“Of all earthly music, that which reaches farthest into heaven is the beating of a truly loving heart.” Henry Ward Beecher
In celebration of Blois’ life, we send love and light to her in heaven, her final place of rest.
Blois is survived by daughters, Brenda Ormond of Goldsboro and Patricia McKeel of Selma; grandchildren, Melody McCoy, Jason McKeel, Bradley McKeel, Jacob Pfaller, Travis Pfaller and Matthew Pfaller; 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren and 3 on the way.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm, on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Casey Funeral Home and Cremations.
The funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Casey Funeral Home and Cremations with Pastor Dennis Pollock officiating. Burial will be immediately following the service in Princeton Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
Casey Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to serve the Smith Family.
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