Irma Jane Smith, 72, of Connelly Springs, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Born in Avery County, NC on August 23, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Hobert William Banner and Ruby McKinney Banner.
Irma was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Irma enjoyed going to estate sales with her sister and going cruising with her husband in their little red 56 Ford truck. She most enjoyed spending time with her family.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 50 years, Philip Herbert Smith; daughter, Jessica McNeilly (Eric); sons, Anthony Smith (Avie) and Travis Smith; grandchildren, Madison Smith, Kayla McNeilly Guffey (Mason), Trevor Smith, Tyler Smith, Jake McNeilly, Karter Smith, Jaxxon Smith, Ellie Smith, and Tripp Epley; sister, Nadine McPeters; and brother, Gary Banner (Marilyn).
In addition to her parents, Irma was preceded in death by her son, Dwayne Alan Smith; sister, Linda Lou Norville; and brothers, C.L. Banner and Winfred “Cooter” Banner.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Nowlings Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Irma Jane Smith.
Phillip and family so sorry for your loss. Irma was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met she was one of the first person I met when I moved to North Carolina. May God bring you peace in the coming days.
Phillip and Family, so sorry to hear of Ima Jane's passing. You are in our prayers. May God's grace and love be with you. Love you and your Family.
Irma was the sweetest. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for her family. Celia
Irma was a sweet and kind and a dear friend of mine.i know she will be missed ,by so many.
Phil, You, your dear wife, and family are in our prayers. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I can remember being on the other side of the world with you, talking about our families. Irma was an incredible woman and you were blessed to have her in your life. Godspeed, Chris and Brenda Whitcomb
Erma was one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. She was always willing to help everyone. She will be missed by everyone I have known her most all our lives we even went to school together.love always Paul Swink
Phillip and Family I am so sorry to hear about Irma passing away. She was also your high school sweet heart and the love of your life. We all went to school together. She was a sweet girl. Prayers for you and family.
Ms. McNeilly and Ms. McNeilly-Guffy, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I hope you’re able to find moments of comfort and peace in the days ahead. Jason Schnur
So very sorry for your loss my friend.
So sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady. Praying for the family.