Betty "Jean" Wiggins Smith

Betty “Jean” Wiggins Smith, 86, of Midland, NC passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at her home in Midland, surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born August 8, 1939, in Bryson City, NC to the late Jess Wiggins and the late Nora Virginia Hyde Wiggins.

She married the love of her life, Kyle Arthur Smith, on December 5, 1958, and enjoyed 52 years together before his passing in 2010.

Jean was a deeply loved woman full of spunk and personality who carried herself with grit and candor. She loved fiercely and gave freely. A best friend to many, a lifeline to others, a lover of gardening, and an endless source of knowledge, her absence leaves an enormous void in so many hearts. Her steadfast faith and quiet strength carried her through every season of her life. In her final years, she could almost always be found in her favorite chair, with her beloved and spoiled dog Daisy nearby.

She is survived by her twin brother Jack Wiggins of Bryson City, NC, her daughter Janet Smith Rackley of Midland, NC, her son Dale (Karolina) Smith, her grandchildren Lisa (Steve) Fink, Lauren (Travis) Edwards, Alex (Rob) Hintze, and her great grandchildren River Fink, Kaleb Sanders, Grayson Edwards, Brenna Edwards, Avonlea Fink, Bear Fink, Milo Edwards, Willow Fink, Toby Edwards and Finley Hintze, all of whom she adored.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on March 7, 2026, at 11:00am at West Concord Baptist Church, 225 Warren C Coleman Blvd., Concord, NC 28027.

“Our brief partings on earth will appear one day as nothing beside the joy of eternity together”

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Smith family.