Eula Head Smith

Eula Smith, age 90 passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025. Eula was born in Haywood County on May 14, 1934, to the late John Leonard Head Sr. and the late Ida Mehaffey Head. She worked as a nanny for major families in Waynesville. Eula lived in Waynesville for 85 years before moving to Raleigh to live with her daughter.

She was very active in several churches, leading the choir, and working with children. When visiting Raleigh for the holidays and after moving to Raleigh, she worked with Helping Paws International Therapy and Service Animals. As a therapy animal team, she and her Toy Poodle, Sparky, and Papillion Precious, visited nursing homes and worked with the special needs children at the Marbles Kids Museum. For this work, she was awarded the US President's Volunteer Service Award at the bronze, silver and gold level, with over 500 volunteer hours of service. Eula composed many gospel songs which her quartet and trio sang in many of the Haywood County Churches.

In addition to her parents, Eula was preceded in death by her husband, Orvil Victory John Smith; sister, Lucy Head Gillette; and brothers, John L. Head, Jr. and Harry Lee Head.

Eula is survived by her daughter, Orvilla Jeani Smith Gray (Jimmy) of Raleigh, NC.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7, Sulphur Springs Freewill Baptist Church with the Reverend Greg Cullen officiating. Burial will be at Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Helping Paws Therapy & Service Animals P. O. Box 91282

Raleigh, NC 27675

Garrett Funerals and Cremations is caring for the Smith family. www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com