Deirdre Lynn Smith

Deirdre Lynn Smith, affectionately known as “Aunt DeeDee” to her family, passed away on February 19th, 2023, at Beacon Place Hospice House in Greensboro, NC, after a courageous battle against cancer. She is survived by parents Jim and Nell Smith of Charlotte, NC, sister Dana Sanford (Tim) of Charlotte, nephew Dr. Bailey Sanford (Courtney) and great niece and nephew Iva and Ezra Sanford, all of Greensboro, NC, and niece Carrie Sanford of Knoxville, TN.

Deirdre was born in Charlotte, NC on June 29th, 1960. Growing up in the Montclaire community, she was a Candy Striper at Presbyterian Hospital, active in the Girl Scouts achieving First Class status and participated in the choir and youth programs at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, where her parents are charter members.

Deirdre is a 1978 graduate of Olympic High School where she was a member of the Civinettes, German Club and Marching Band Flag Team. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UNC-Greensboro in 1982. While in college she developed many strong, meaningful friendships that have lasted over 40 years including those with her “brothers” in Pi Kappa Phi fraternity where she was a Little Sister.

After college, Deirdre returned to Charlotte, where she worked for Northwestern Bank and Duke Energy. In the late 80’s, she moved to Greensboro working for American Express. On February 1, 2023, Deirdre celebrated 30 years of service with Syngenta Crop Protection, most recently in the role of Procurement Manager for raw materials. She was a determined and relentless negotiator always ensuring the best purchasing conditions for the organization. If you were personal shopping with Deirdre, as she bartered, she would remind you that she was a “professional shopper”.

Deirdre was a true and loyal friend. She maintained relationships with friends from birth, high school, college and continued to forge friendships in adulthood. She’d been a member of the Greensboro Jaycees and Ski Club where she enjoyed the opportunities to travel and again, built loving, dear friendships. She cherished her sisterhood in Beta Sigma Phi. Deirdre was surrounded by the love of many dear and loyal friends, coworkers and neighbors who also supported and nurtured her family during her illness and passing. The family is forever grateful for the love, care and generosity extended to us.

Throughout her adult life, Deirdre enjoyed traveling the world with friends and family, especially her niece and nephew, who she took on many trips. She and niece Carrie created wonderful memories during trips to New York and Paris. Deirdre’s adventurous spirit led her around the world including working 6 months in England. Her home is full of photographs, mementos and a special travel themed Christmas Tree that serve as reminders of these joyous trips.

Deirdre was the ultimate hostess and very generous in opening her home to others. There was always an open bedroom to those traveling thru the area or for anyone that needed a place to stay for a period of time. She had an impressive collection of holiday décor and loved to decorate her warm and inviting home for each holiday. As a hostess, attention to detail was her specialty. Every spring, she toiled to ensure her patio and yard provided a beautiful place of respite.

Family was so important to Deirdre. She cherished family history and treasured family heirlooms that are lovingly displayed throughout her home. She nurtured relationships and was steadfast in staying in contact with cousins and kinfolk. Deirdre was a devoted daughter; loving, caring big sister; treasured sister-in-law and she cherished telling folks all about her niece, Carrie and nephew, Bailey. Bailey’s wife Courtney was Deirdre’s “buddy” and mother to Deirdre’s great niece and nephew, Iva and Ezra who brought her immense joy. Deirdre was a second mother to Bailey and Courtney’s pup, Sammy who relished his vacations to “Aunt DeeDee’s”.

Deirdre’s smile was contagious and her laughter uplifting. We miss her greatly but rejoice that she is now fully healed and resting in the arms of Jesus.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 4 @ 1 PM at

St Andrew's United Methodist Church

1901 Archdale Drive

Charlotte, NC. 28210

A reception will follow the service in the Family Life Center.

Memorial gifts may be directed to one of the following organizations that were meaningful to Deirdre and her family:

• St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church: 1901 Archdale Drive, Charlotte NC 28210 ( standrewsumc.com)

• Beacon Place Hospice House Program of AuthoraCare Collective: 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405 (authoracare.org)

• Dahlia Grove: 338 S. Sharon Amity # 523, Charlotte, NC 28211 (dahliagrove.org)