Loretta Ann Hill Smith, 87, of Gatesville, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Gates House Assisted Living.

Mrs. Smith was born in Washington County on September 20, 1938, and was the wife of the late Frederick Parker “Freddie” Smith, Jr. and daughter of the late Thomas M. and Elizabeth Langston Hill. Loretta last worked as an Eligibility Specialist for Gates County Department of Social Services, and was a member of Gatesville United Methodist Church, and the Gatesville Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Surviving are her two daughters, Kim S. Dilday and her husband Robert Earl of Gatesville, and Deborah S. Powell and her husband Ronnie of Corapeake; two brothers, Thomas M. “Tommy” Hill (Nancy) of Smithfield, VA and Dana W. Hill of Gates; five grandsons, Brian Riddick (Ashley), Andy Riddick (Morgan), Dustin Dilday (Lita), Scott Powell (Divya), and Josh Powell (Nicole); eleven great grandchildren, Brandon, Logan, Ashley, Lyric, Bristyl, Addison, Emma, Raylen, Riley, Brinley, and Surya; four great-great grandchildren, Sailor, Easton, Baker, Carter, and arriving soon: Colton; and an uncle, Douglas Hill (Jacqueline) of Knoxville, TN.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Somerton United Methodist Church Cemetery, 8610 Whaleyville Boulevard, Suffolk, and will be officiated by Pastor Cody Brinkley. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville.

Flowers are welcomed, or contributions in her memory may be directed to Gatesville United Methodist Church, c/o Barbara Crawford, P.O. Box 134, Gatesville, NC 27938 or one’s favorite charity.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the Smith family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com