WILMINGTON — With profound gratitude and love, we celebrate the life of Margaret Ann Smith, born October 12, 1949, in Zanesville, Ohio. Margaret, affectionately known as Marg, resided in Wilmington, North Carolina, with her beloved husband of 51 years, Perry Smith.
She was the daughter of Billie and Nelson McCoy and sister to Mac McCoy, all of whom precede her in death. Raised in Zanesville, Marg took great pride in her family’s business, The Nelson McCoy Pottery Company, one of the nation’s largest and most respected artware potteries. She actively preserved its legacy, supporting collector associations and celebrating its historical significance, including helping with its popular display at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington.
Marg attended the University of New Mexico, The Ohio State University, and the University of the Americas in Mexico City before earning a master’s degree in international finance from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), where she met her future husband, Perry. She worked as an international bank lending officer before choosing to dedicate herself fully to her family.
A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Marg embraced family life in Birmingham, Michigan; South Bend, Indiana; Vienna, Virginia; Florence, South Carolina; and over 20 years in Singapore and Shanghai, China, before retiring to Wilmington. She was the heart of her family, offering unconditional love, wisdom, and strength. She instilled in her children and grandchildren a deep sense of curiosity, kindness, and resilience.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Perry, and their three children: Perry Smith, Jr. (Emily) of Atlanta, Georgia; Lindsay Smith Grider (Chris) of Dallas, Texas; and Derek Smith (Elizabeth), also of Dallas. She was a proud grandmother to eight cherished grandchildren: Peter and Matthew Smith, Margaret and Sydney Grider, and Annabeth, Josephine, Elijah, and Quinn Smith. Marg had a gift for making holidays magical, creating traditions her family will always treasure. Her grandchildren especially loved the wonderful Fourth of July celebrations she hosted each year, a highlight of their summers filled with joy, laughter, and family togetherness. She also delighted in Christmas lunch for the girls at Neiman Marcus in Dallas and celebrating Chinese New Year.
Marg also leaves behind many dear friends around the world, as well as beloved cousins and extended family. She cherished her relationships deeply and nurtured them throughout her life.
Marg will be remembered for her loving nature, sharp wit, and unwavering honesty. She was fiercely independent, a defender of her family and friends, and a woman whose warmth and wisdom touched everyone she met. A former University of New Mexico golf team member, she found much humor in her husband’s golf game and took great joy in watching her family play competitive soccer. She was an avid bridge player, a dedicated UK Premier League soccer fan, and a committed volunteer with the Guardian Ad Litem of North Carolina, the Good Shepherd Center, and other charities in the USA and abroad. Her generosity and kindness enriched the lives of all who knew her. She is deeply missed, but her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
A celebration of life is planned and will be shared at a later time.
Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the American Lung Association.
