DURHAM, N.C. — Mildred "Tess" Smith Poe, 90, died tranquilly in her home, surrounded by her devoted family, on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016.

A native of Rockingham, Tess was born on Oct. 12, 1925 to Ola Mae Baldwin and Daniel Harvey Smith. She is predeceased by her parents; her siblings, William Thomas Smith, Marjorie Elizabeth Morris and Donald Harvey Smith; and her husband, Clarence Horton Poe Jr.

Tess met her future husband Horton at a USO show in Richmond County before he was shipped off to World War II. They were married in 1946 and graduated from Wake Forest College, she with a teaching degree in biology and botany and Horton with a law degree. Tess was one of the first female students who graduated from the college.

She became very involved in her four children's lives through the PTA, eventually becoming the PTA president of the city of Durham. She was also involved in the Girl Scouts and numerous church activities. The family attended Watts Street Baptist Church where she, known affectionately as the "Flower Lady," remained a member for 58 years. Following her lifelong passion for flowers, she joined the Margaret Brawley Garden Club and soon became a well-respected Master Judge, which she continued actively into her 80s. Tess also joined the Durham Women's Club, remaining a member until her death.

Tess was the perfect Southern lady; gracious, kind, forgiving and loving. She passionately adored her family, including her husband, Horton; her children, Marjorie Jane Poe-Eure, Margaret Carolyn Kramer, Patricia Ann Poe and Clint Horton Poe; their spouses, Bob Paczkoski, Kipp Kramer, Hank Kennedy and Lisa Therres; her grandchildren, Shannon Poe-Kennedy (Justin Sheehy), Amanda Worrell (Chris Worrell), Colin Poe-Kennedy, Stephani Parker (Ricky Parker), Daniel Kramer, Katie Kramer, Mollie Poe-Kennedy-Turner (Clay Turner), Joshua Townsend and Brandon Therres; and great-grandchildren, Samantha Poe, Cian Poe-Sheehy, Bronwyn Poe-Sheehy and Caymus Worrell. She also greatly enriched the lives of her nieces and nephews, her church members and her many friends.

The celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Watts Street Baptist Church with the Rev. Diane Hill, associate pastor and friend, officiating. Guests are invited to gather with the family following the service.

Contributions may be made to Watts Street Baptist Church specifically to benefit the children and to provide for the continuation of floral arrangements in the church and landscaping.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral Service Inc. in Durham.

Online condolences may be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com.

Paid obituary

The Richmond County Daily Journal

Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016