Dr. Elizabeth Mathis Day

RALEIGH - Dr. Elizabeth Mathis Day, 85, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

She was born in Polk County, Florida on August 19, 1940, the daughter of the late Lemuel Marshal Mathis and Lena Sumblin Mathis. Dr. Day attended Richmond Community College for her undergraduate studies and would go on to graduate from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Dr. Day practiced in Philadelphia during her time in Pennsylvania and also served as the head of the CE Department at her alma mater. In North Carolina, Dr. Day's pursuits were instrumental for optometrists to obtain the ability to prescribe therapeutic pharmacotherapy for patients.

Active in the Boy Scouts of America, Dr. Day was a Silver Antelope and Silver Beaver recipient, was a Woodbadge and Commissioner College. A woman of faith, Dr. Day also served as a Presbyterian lay minister.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Frank Bennett Day; granddaughter, Justin Brooke; and her brother, Buddy Morris.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Elven C. Smith, III and wife, Wynterchase Addington-Smith; step-sons, Frank Bennett Day, Jr. and Patrick Day and their families; grandchildren, Elven Conrad Smith, IV and wife, Tiffany Smith, Jessica Jeanette Smith and husband, Michael Fryar, Josephine Evette Smith-Fowler and husband, Adam Fowler, Annabella Grace Addington-Smith; great grandchildren, Gabriel, Oliver, Ellis, and Isaac; her feline companion, Annie; and a host of extended family.

A graveside ceremony will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in the Mausoleum Chapel at Raleigh Memorial Park (7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612). The Rev. Marshall Stewart will officiate.

The ceremony will be live streamed at the following link: youtube.com/live/DGspVCLTStQ?feature=share

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh (831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604).

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com