Bennie Mae Harris Smith Jefferson

Bennie Mae Harris Smith Jefferson was born July 15, 1933 in Edgecombe County to James Luther and Essie Stokes Harris. She departed this life surrounded by family on August 29, 2026 after battling Alzheimers for several years.

Bennie Mae, better known as great-granny Smith, was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She lived a modest life as a homemaker and worked hard at keeping her home clean, cooking three hearty meals each day and babysitting her grandchildren. She was always home and available for the needs of her family and for a road trip for a meal at Parker's Barbeque, Bojangles or Western Sizzlin. Her family will miss her immensely.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Clarence Troy Smith and William Thurman Jefferson; son, Benny Clarence Smith and many sisters and brothers.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Dianne Stallings (Mike) of Rocky Mount and Linda Price (Dan) of Grimesland; grandchildren, Heather Johnson (Randy) of Rocky Mount, Michael Stallings (Angela) of Clayton, Melissa Whitley (Jonathan) of Wake Forest; great-grandchildren, Sara Miles, Brooke Johnson, Grady and Owen Stallings, Amelia and Ada Whitley; sister, Grace Branch of Greenville; sister-in-law, Violet Stocks and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with visitation immediately following will be held at 10:00AM on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Whitakers Cemetery, Whitakers, NC.

A sincere appreciation goes out to the workers from Gentiva Hospice of Pitt and Edgecombe Counties and Tarboro Health and Rehabilitation for their love, support and prayers for our mother while under their care. These workers are truly blessed in the jobs they do for others. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to your local Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.