Kathryn (Kay) Smith Swope

Mrs. Kathryn (Kay) Smith Swope, 78, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at ECU Health Medical Center. The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, in the Mausoleum at Pinewood Memorial Park officiated by the Rev. Andrew Shue. The family will receive friends following the service at the Mausoleum. Kay was born on June 20, 1947, to the late Albert Ransom Smith and Ruth Hughes Smith of Wilson, North Carolina. Kay spent most of her young life in Wilson, and was a 1965 graduate of Ralph L. Fike High School. After graduation, she worked in banking for over 20 years in various roles, but most recently, as a Customer Service Specialist with BB&T in Greenville. When her father became ill with ALS, she was inspired to become a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant. She earned her degree at Pitt Community College, and began work as a therapy assistant until her retirement. She enjoyed traveling, visiting with her grandchildren, church activities, and volunteer work. Most recently, she worked with Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at The American Cancer Society McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge in Greenville. Kay always had a smile for everyone and all who met her were touched by her genuineness. We will miss her greatly. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her Husband of 47 years, John Swope; Two daughters, Dawn Swope Hopper and husband, Trevor, and Mary Kathryn Swope; and Grandchildren, Meghan Hopper, Ethan Hopper, Zachary Jones & John Jones. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Kay's name to First Christian Church, 2810 E. 14th Street, Greenville, NC 27858; or the Food Bank of Greenville, 1712 Union Street, Greenville, NC 27834 - please make checks payable to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com