Christy Smith

Christy Smith, of Garner, North Carolina, was born on March 20, 1972. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 8, 2026.

Christy was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Steven Darrow; and father-in-law, Alvin Keith Smith. She leaves behind many beloved family members who cherish her memory: her husband of 34 years, Keith Smith; daughter, Melissa Smith Solís and husband, Jefry of Managua, Nicaragua; son, Aaron Smith of Raleigh; mother, Vivian Darrow of Graham; sister, Joanna Roberts and husband, Jody of Haw River; brothers, Steven Darrow, Jr. and wife, Jacqueline of Seattle, WA, Timothy Darrow and wife, Sara of Sands Springs, OK; mother-in-law, Jerry Culpepper Smith of Chapel Hill; sister-in-law, Lisa Knight of Sanford, with her children Victor and Laurel "Gray;" brother-in-law, Jonathon Edward Smith of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Elizabeth Solís and Jeffrey Solís; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Christy was a remarkably devout Christian whose faith was the very heart of her life. She served her church and community and had a unique gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. She was a mentor and encouragement to countless souls - from newcomers finding their place in the church to longtime members of their church family. Christy was a brilliant light in this world. She consistently reflected the depth of God's love to everyone she met through words of encouragement, unfailing kindness, consistent actions, and the countless hours she spent laboring for others.

Christy also had a contagiously joyful spirit and loved to travel and spend time with her family and friends. Whether she was relaxing at the beach, exploring national parks, or traveling alongside her husband as he ran his next race, she was delighted simply to be there and share the experience with those she loved so dearly - unless, of course, she was expected to run too!

Her love for her immediate and extended family knew no bounds, as she told and showed them so often. For her nieces and nephews, it was especially evident in the little things. They always knew that Christy was thinking of them, whether through a friendly check-in text, a thoughtful Christmas gift, or simply being there when they needed her. She made each of them feel loved, remembered, and grounded in their family. That impact and the example she set will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Christy will be remembered by all for her unwavering faith, generous heart, joyful spirit, and beautiful smile. She was a true blessing to her family, her friends, her church, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her life was a testimony to the love of Christ, and the light she shared with others will no doubt continue to shine through the lives she touched. Though she is deeply missed, those who loved Christy find comfort in knowing that she is now home with her Lord and Savior. Her smile and genuine laugh will not be forgotten, and neither will the love she so freely gave.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Calvary Raleigh Church (7900 Ten-Ten Road, Raleigh, NC 27603). The family will receive friends and relatives at the church one hour prior to the ceremony. A private burial will occur in Historic Oakwood Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Christy's memory may be made to either of the following charitable nonprofit organizations:

1. With Love From Jesus (Donation Link) - An evangelical ministry and service organization that provides food, clothing, and household items to Raleigh's needy - and an organization where Christy personally volunteered her time.

2. Anthem of Hope (Donation Link) - A Christian mental health organization "dedicated to amplifying hope for those battling brokenness, depression," and so on with awareness, community, resources, and support.

With Grief, Faith, and Love,

The Smith, Darrow Families

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Online condolences may be offered at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com