Rachel Caroline (Dinkins) Smitherman

Rachel Caroline Dinkins Smitherman passed away peacefully on November 4, 2022, at Yakin Nursing Center at the age of 99 after a period of declining health. She was born in Yadkin County on April 7, 1923 to Mary Magdalene Whitlock Dinkins and James (Jimmy) Franklin Dinkins.

During her life, Rachel enjoyed gardening, takin trips to the mountains and spending time with family. She would also tell many stories of her childhood and youth which her children keep and treasure in their hearts. Rachel’s ancestors were one of the first families to settle in Yadkin County having immigrated from the British Isles in the early 1700s.

Being of the Greatest Generation, she and her husband Jodie taught their children and incredible work ethic, to respect their elders, kindness towards others and most importantly to love God.

Rachel retired from Hanes Hosiery in 1987.

She was a resident of Yadkin Nursing Center for over 6 years. During her stay there she greatly enjoyed Sunday afternoons when various church groups would come to sing. She often would sing Jesus Loves Me at various times, much to the delight of the staff.

Rachel was predeceased by her husband Joseph Abner “Jodie” Smitherman in 1997, three sisters and four brothers. She is survived by daughter Terri (Patrick) Jamison, son Kenneth Smitherman, nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Graveside services will be held at Prospect United Methodist Church in East Bend on Monday, November 7 at 1pm with Father Steve Rice officiating.

The family would like to extend deepest thanks to the staff of YNC and Mountain Valley Hospice for their kind and loving care of Rachel.

Memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”

Rest in peace, dear mother.

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