WILLIAMSTON, NC – Wilma Lee Minton Smith Stell, age 76, formerly of Ahoskie, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2017, at the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield, NC.
Mrs. Stell was born in Ahoskie, Hertford County, NC on September 10, 1940, a daughter of the late Lloyd and Earleen Simons Pearce. Wilma was retired as a Customer Service Representative for Boyette & Robertson Insurance Agency in Ahoskie, where she worked for many years. She enjoyed flower gardening and feeding her hummingbirds, and was a talented quilter, making quilts for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Stell was very active in the Girl Scouts of America, serving as girl scout leader for over 40 years. In 1987 Governor Jim Martin honored her for Outstanding Volunteer for her work with the Girl Scouts, of which she was very proud.
Besides her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her first husband, Cecil Earl Smith, two sisters, Ardeen Barnes, and Ila Mae Liverman and a brother, Lloyd Minton, Jr.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Bob C. Stell of Williamston, NC; three daughters, Cathy Piland and husband, Bill of Ahoskie, NC, Janet True and husband, Dave of Smithfield, NC, Samantha Dunlow and husband, Kevin of Seal Beach, CA; two sisters, Retha Reimer of Charleston, SC, Selene Thomas of Portsmouth, VA; and a brother, Mallery Minton and wife, Emily of Portsmouth, VA. Also surviving are her precious grandchildren, Leanne Copeland of Scotland Neck, NC; Chris Stroud and wife, Sarah of Ahoskie, NC, Zach Stroud and wife, Candace of Raleigh, NC, and Henri Dunlow of Seal Beach, CA; her great grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Alyssa Roussis of Scotland Neck, NC, Mackenzie Copeland of Scotland Neck, NC, Kaylee Stroud of Ahoskie, NC, and Austin Stroud of Ahoskie, NC; and a special sister-in-law, Judy Willis of Cofield, NC. Also surviving are three step-children; Robyn Lewis and husband Faron, Amber Freeman and husband Doug, and Robbie Stell and wife Tammy.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 14, 2017, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, and other times at the home of her daughter, Cathy Piland.
A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 3:00 pm at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, with Rev. Randy Miller officiating. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made directly to the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield, NC, 246 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC, 27577, or you may donate online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Stell family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Dear Bob, Please accept my condolences at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers
are with you and your family. Sincerely, Carol Anne McClelland.
Praying for your family during this time.
Ms. Wilma was such a loving and beautiful lady. I will miss her. RIP Ms. Wilma we will meet again.
She was such a fixture in the Girl Scout world when our daughter was growing up in Ahoskie. I remember her with much kindness and that speaks for itself. My sympathies to Cathy and Leanne and all of her family and loved ones in her passing.
I’m sending love, prayers and appreciation to the Family of Ms Wilma as I called her. I didn’t get to spend much time with her but she was one of the sweeter people I’ve ever met. Knowing of her in the beginning as the Kind Lady that played a big part in saving the life of Bob “Pop” Stell when he had his heart attack years ago. I know he and his family will ever be thankful for her kindness and compassion that day and since. I saw her last at Thanksgiving and as we were all saying our good-byes. We all hugged her, telling her we loved her, I told her I would be praying for her to get better. Her words back were. thank-you so much and I’d love to be back at Christmas walking better. Sadly, she didn’t get to come at all Christmas as her condition declined but Praise God I’m sure she is walking today with a big smile on her face. I will miss seeing her sweet face and hearing her soft voice and chuckles. I feel blessed to have witnessed such a dear, kind soul.