June 30, 2022
June 30, 2022
A very great lady!
This memorial website was created in the memory of our beloved Hilda Smith, 87, born on June 30, 1925 and passed away on July 1, 2012. Please feel free to leave your memories and stories.
A visitation will be held between 6-8 pm, Tuesday, July 17th at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro. A service will be held Wednesday, July 18th at St. Paul Methodist Church at 10 am prior to burial in Willow Dale Cemetery next to her beloved husband J. Andrew Smith Jr.
Tributes
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July 1, 2018
July 1, 2018
Hilda, you are a reminder of how nice life can be.
June 30, 2017
June 30, 2017
Happy Birthday Hilda! Thank you for the pleasant visits on those sunny days, and the nice memories.
Ron
Ron
June 30, 2016
June 30, 2016
Happy Birthday Hilda! You are invited to go with me to my niece's wedding Saturday in Galveston. Two wonderful things!
June 30, 2016
June 30, 2016
Today we will enjoy a banana split to celebrate your birthday. I will think of how you always exclaimed "My Lands, that's a beauty!" when the server delivered the sundae.
I will remember your delight as you scraped the last bit of topping from the metal container with a smile. "Gracious Me."
I will remember the twinkle in your eyes as I watch your great grandchildren frolic.
You are with me always and yet I miss you so...
I will remember your delight as you scraped the last bit of topping from the metal container with a smile. "Gracious Me."
I will remember the twinkle in your eyes as I watch your great grandchildren frolic.
You are with me always and yet I miss you so...
July 1, 2015
July 1, 2015
Funny, I was just thinking about Hilda Bell yesterday during my singing class at the SF Towers. Like so many of my wonderful friends there who have left us, I miss her very much and think of her often. She loved music and was just such a ray of sunshine. Miss you, Hilda Bell!
June 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
Today I will have a banana split to celebrate my sweet grandma's, aka GiGi's, birthday. It is hard to believe that tomorrow marks 3 years since she left this life. I think of her every single day, most often with a smile on my face, but this morning brought tears streaming down my cheeks.
What I wouldn't give to hear her laugh... To see her eyes twinkle as she played with the kids...the lilt in her voice when she said, "I love you, honey."
She was sweeter than sugar. Stronger than iron. And smart as a whip. But most of all she was delightful.
I am grateful to have her love in my heart and her words of wisdom in my mind. Thank you, Hilda Bell Smith!
What I wouldn't give to hear her laugh... To see her eyes twinkle as she played with the kids...the lilt in her voice when she said, "I love you, honey."
She was sweeter than sugar. Stronger than iron. And smart as a whip. But most of all she was delightful.
I am grateful to have her love in my heart and her words of wisdom in my mind. Thank you, Hilda Bell Smith!
June 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
Happy Birthday Hilda Bell---I think of you often and know you are at peace and miss you each Wednesday as I attend CCC luncheons and meetings. Your bright smile is with me and bless you for the family legacy you have created and left behind. Hugs, Martha
June 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
Hilda, I miss you, too. I loved visiting with you in Healdsburg, and working on projects with you and your family. You are a calming influence on me. You seem to have had a long view on everything.
Ron
Ron
July 1, 2014
July 1, 2014
I was working up a new song for my San Francisco Towers class, Let's Misbehave by Cole Porter. It made me think of Hilda Bell because it was precisely the kind of music she really loved to hear me play. Yes, I miss her. She may be gone but she is certainly not forgotten....
June 30, 2014
June 30, 2014
Hilda, when you are traveling over Albuquerque, please stop by. I went to a real southern memorial for one of my ancestors on Saturday, and it was wonderful. Later, we had iced tea. I thought you could tell me what it meant when they laid roses down at the end of the ceremony. I miss hearing your stories, and your calm view of the world.
June 30, 2014
June 30, 2014
I think about, you, GiGi almost every single day. Most often when I'm very happy, very upset, or find myself having a quiet moment somewhere beautiful. I feel so blessed we had you in our lives for so long and still frequently find myself tearing up because I miss you so much.
Thank you for filling our lives with delight and our memories with such goodness. I love you forever.
Thank you for filling our lives with delight and our memories with such goodness. I love you forever.
June 30, 2014
June 30, 2014
Hilda was one of the most beautiful and charming women I ever met.
She was a lady in every sence of the word and she is truly missed.
Suzanna Allen
She was a lady in every sence of the word and she is truly missed.
Suzanna Allen
July 1, 2013
July 1, 2013
Dear Hilda Bell, I am so hoping you are enjoying your new life. Perhaps you have met my parents - none the less I missed sending your Birthday Card last year, which I stiissll have and will keep with me always. I do miss your Hello Sweetie.
June 30, 2013
June 30, 2013
I was just thinking about Hilda Bell the other day. I miss her every time
I am at SF Towers to teach my singing class. She was such a music lover. I'm glad she was born and I'm really sorry she's not with us
now...
I am at SF Towers to teach my singing class. She was such a music lover. I'm glad she was born and I'm really sorry she's not with us
now...
June 30, 2013
June 30, 2013
Happy Birthday Hilda! I passed through Los Angeles shortly after my visit to San Francisco and your family, and passed by that Ladybug sculpture down the street from Union Square you happily put there.
June 26, 2013
June 26, 2013
Not a day goes by that I do not think of you and the impact you had on my life. Thank you for all of the gifts you have given to our friends and family. We will be eating banana splits in your honor on your birthday!
September 13, 2012
September 13, 2012
I can't believe I have already lived so many moments without hearing her uniquely sweet voice. I have memories of GiGi sprinkled throughout my house - my favorite at the moment is a stone frog statue with a cigar and a jug of booze under it's webbed hand. I'd really like to know the story about that one. I know she got a kick out of it because that's the kind of person she was.
July 11, 2012
July 11, 2012
Dear Family of Hilda, I simply adored your Mother & Grandmother! What a lovely and gracious lady. She & I always had such fun with our similar names. One time I asked her if anyone ever told her she looked like Debbie Reynolds and with that darling twinkle in her eye, she said, "Why, yes, Dear, I have heard that more than once!" You are all in my thoughts and prayers & I will miss her so.
July 10, 2012
July 10, 2012
Hilda and I served on Calvary's Board of Deacons together, and I so enjoyed her warmth, humor, and truly Christian spirit. She was always a gracious and welcoming presence at church, never failing to take the time to speak to friends old and new, and ask after their families. Shall miss our chats between services!
July 9, 2012
July 9, 2012
Part 2 - Wherever we were we always played cards after dinner... hours and hours of various poker games, gin-rummy, and bridge (where she was my partner). When I think of her, I always think of how much fun it was to spend time with her and how lucky I am to have her for a grandmother. To have her for so long was an extra pleasure. I'll miss you Nanny.
July 9, 2012
July 9, 2012
Part 1 - Nanny was the "play with us" grandmother; ready to participate in anything us kids wanted to get into. Some of my favorite memories are of us at the beach... taking rides on Grandaddy's boat, catching crabs, cooking, and picking them, and swimming in the ocean.
July 9, 2012
July 9, 2012
Hilda Bell was one of my favorite CCC friends. We always greeted each other with warm hugs and smiles and we each cherished shared stories of our families. Her smile and warmth will remain in my heart forever. I am blessed to have known her.
July 9, 2012
July 9, 2012
From the moment you met Hilda you loved her. She was one of the sweetest, loving and kindest women you could know. The day she moved to California and we all met her at the airport her excitement when she saw all of us was surpassed by our happiness that she was finally here. We will miss hearing "Hi Sweetie" and the hugs that came with it. She will be loved forever and missed terribly.
July 9, 2012
July 9, 2012
(posted by Lisa on behalf of Olivier and Elen, family friends from France)
Elen and I were so sad to learn about Hilda. We loved her, as a very "universal grand-ma", a grand-mother for all of us! I feel today that I had the great privilege to experience her sweetness, her constant care to all of us (remembering a few trips with her in France, she always had a kind word for all of us).
Elen and I were so sad to learn about Hilda. We loved her, as a very "universal grand-ma", a grand-mother for all of us! I feel today that I had the great privilege to experience her sweetness, her constant care to all of us (remembering a few trips with her in France, she always had a kind word for all of us).
July 9, 2012
July 9, 2012
(posted by Lisa on behalf of Andy Hall, Hilda’s Grandson)
“This is how I’ll remember Hilda Bell Smith. Patient as Job...kind, loving, and impish fun. She bent over backwards to show love and care for everyone, and she had a way of doing pretty much everything that let us really know we were deeply meaningful to her.
“This is how I’ll remember Hilda Bell Smith. Patient as Job...kind, loving, and impish fun. She bent over backwards to show love and care for everyone, and she had a way of doing pretty much everything that let us really know we were deeply meaningful to her.
July 7, 2012
July 7, 2012
Hilda was, is, gentle, funny, dignified, and alert. She was always busy; I remember all the projects we were involved in over the years. She made me feel good about myself, and accepted. She had a knack for putting things in perspective. Hilda was an intense and loving light in her kind family, who, in turn, loved her very much. Hilda is now in the sky, and the clouds, and the sun.
July 7, 2012
July 7, 2012
Joyful soul. Those words jump out at me as I remember Hilda. What an honor to have had the opportunity to have known her. She will indeed be missed.
July 7, 2012
July 7, 2012
I recall having lunch at the Metropolitan Club with a most enchanting woman. But I didn't catch her name. Half-way through lunch, Terry whispered, 'That's my mom.' Oh! So that's where Terry and Lisa caught such charm and vibrance. Yes, a great lady.
July 7, 2012
July 7, 2012
Hilda Bell was truly one of the most gracious southern ladies I have ever met. She greeted us at the Century Club with a warm smile and always a kind word. She was genuinly interest in ones travels, family and well being. I will miss her.
July 5, 2012
July 5, 2012
Such a gracious and warm person, one of the first people I met when I moved to San Francisco Towers four years ago. She always was happy to see my little Bichon going out for his walk.She will be missed by all who knew her.
-Virginia Westover
-Virginia Westover
July 4, 2012
July 4, 2012
I remember meeting the most charming and gracious lady at the opening of Urban Chateau the Friday after 9/11. My opinion never varied. She was truly a great lady and will be missed by us all.
July 3, 2012
July 3, 2012
Hilda was a favorite of mine at The Century Club. She always greeted me with a big, southern hello, a squeeze to my hand, and a question as to how my children were doing. She was a joy to be near, a fabulous lunch companion, and a true Southern Lady! I will miss your warm greetings, Hilda!
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
June 30, 2022
June 30, 2022
A very great lady!
July 1, 2018
July 1, 2018
Hilda, you are a reminder of how nice life can be.
June 30, 2017
June 30, 2017
Happy Birthday Hilda! Thank you for the pleasant visits on those sunny days, and the nice memories.
Ron
Ron
Gallery
young lyn and terry
Young hilda standing outside with car in background
young hilda and girl with baskets
young couple
white portrait studio photo
pyramid of girlfriends
little hilda in flight costume
hilda,brotherandoldcar
hilda travels with her father
Recent stories
July 18, 2012
During my years as Program Coordinator at San Francisco Towers I worked frequently with Hilda Bell in the process of photographing all new residents coming to live in the community. She was always a breath of fresh air with her beautiful lilting voice and wonderful smile and I thought she was the perfect person to be organizing photo shoots for newcomers. She must have made them feel so at ease. She was also a great fan of my music and never missed an opportunity to encourage me in my musical pursuits which I deeply appreciated. It was an honor, privilege and delight to have known her and she will be deeply missed. I regret that I was called away from San Francisco and unable to pay my respects to her and her family in person. She will continue to inspire us all from the heavens above. Of that I have no doubt.
Hilda Bell Smith's Obituary
July 6, 2012
Hilda Bell Smith's Obituary
(written by her daughter, Terry on 7/6/12)
Our beloved mother, Hilda Bell Smith passed away suddenly on July 1, 2012 at the age of 87, with family by her side in San Francisco, California.
Born June 30, 1925, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, she attended Goldsboro High School and the Woman’s College of UNC. She married her beloved childhood sweetheart, J. Andrew Smith, Jr., March 16, 1944. Together they started a family and traveled extensively before settling back in their hometown of Goldsboro in 1969, where she was an integral part of her husband’s Certified Public Accounting Business for 20 years. Prior to that she was in University Administration at the Air Force Academy in Colorado throughout the early 60’s to put money away for her girls’ college fund. Throughout her life, Hilda was primarily and proudly a homemaker, with extensive community involvement, and a gracious hostess.
In August 1995, Hilda moved to San Francisco after much urging by her devoted daughter and family. She was one of the original residents of the San Francisco Towers where she carved out a beautiful life during the past 17 years. Hilda brought her southern hospitality and charm with her and she cultivated many friendships in San Francisco. She always remained a gentle Southern lady.
A profoundly spiritual person, she was always dedicated to her Calvary Church and served as a Deacon for many years. She was a very active member of The Century Club and served in many capacities. Her greatest passion, other than family, friends, children and her community, was flowers and she had many wonderful memories from her time on the Flower Committee at the Towers and her many years in her North Carolina Garden Club.
She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity, her optimism and ever-good attitude, her strength and determination, her delightful sense of humor and her gracious loving presence.
Beloved wife of the late J. Andrew Smith, Jr,; She is survived by her devoted daughter Terry and “son” Scott Gross of San Francisco, and daughter Patricia Lynda Harrison of New Hampshire; Four grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law: Diane and Jason Bundas, Lisa and Nils Erickson, Samual Andrew “Andy” and Jamie Hall, Julie and Jon Hartman; and Five great grandchildren: Ian Bundas, Lars Erickson, Matthias Hall, Shane and Quinn Hartman. She is also survived by a large close-knit family and good friends on both coasts, all of them deeply touched by her life.
A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 11th at 11 am in the Calvary Presbyterian Church at Jackson Street (and Fillmore Street). A Reception will follow at the Church. Valet Parking and shuttle service from the Towers will be provided.
She will be interred next to her beloved husband, July 18th, Goldsboro, North Carolina.
HALSTEAD N. GRAY – CAREW & ENGLISH
(415) 673-3000
GiGi surprises
July 3, 2012
GiGi delighted in her great-grandchildren (and grandchildren). She collected little surprises for each holiday, and often gave sweet little presents "just because I love you."
She really played with the children - on their level. She enjoyed getting involved with whatever they were doing (or at least commenting if she couldn't physically engage). It was wonderful to watch her around children.