Ruth Edwards Smith departed this life peacefully on August 7, 2026, at her home in Sedalia, N.C. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Prince Earl Smith.

Ruth was born in Williamsboro, near Henderson, N.C. Her parents, also deceased, were Frank and Lillian Edwards. She was the last remaining of seven siblings, that included her twin sister, Ruby Nottage, and Olivia Williams, Thomas Edwards, Frances Robinson, Clementine Bishop, William Edwards and Mary Bell Burton.

Survivors left to cherish her memory are daughters, Priscilla B. Smith of Raleigh, N.C. -- and Felicia Smith Parks and son-in-law Tony Parks of Sedalia. In addition, Ruth is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Ruth was a graduate of Henderson Institute. She also graduated from N.C. A&T State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Administration, with a Certification in Principalship and Supervision. While in college, she became a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Ruth began her career as a teacher in Burlington, N.C. and schools in Guilford County. She was a Supervisor of a federal program that resulted in guidance counselor programs for elementary schools. Later, she became an Assistant Principal and then Principal at Alamance Primary School. She was a Postmaster for the Sedalia Post Office and the first Mayor of Sedalia, after it was incorporated in 1997.

Ruth played a number of key roles in Sedalia and the surrounding area. She was instrumental in working with state leaders to help incorporate the Town of Sedalia. She was a contemporary of Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, founder of Palmer Memorial Institute. Dr. Brown sometimes attended what is now known as Bethany Community Church in Sedalia, where Ruth was a member. Ruth and Prince were distinguished alumni at A&T, where they made numerous financial contributions, including an endowed scholarship for students. Ruth and her husband were also avid Aggie football fans. Ruth and Prince bought and sold real estate in Sedalia and surrounding areas, including land and rental property. Ruth also maintained her family home and farm near Henderson.

Ruth received numerous honors and awards. She was designated Principal of the Year for the State of North Carolina for Innovative Programs. She received a Community Service Award presented by Beta Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and an Award from the Secretaries for being Outstanding Boss of the Year.

Ruth was a member of the Sedalia Civic Organization, Gate City Alumni Chapter, and was an office holder for the Whitsett precinct.

Ruth and Prince attended Bethany Church in earlier years, where she served several roles. Later, Ruth and Prince joined the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Greensboro where they both continued to serve in numerous capacities. Some of the biggest highlights in Ruth’s latter years were attending church on Sunday mornings and participating in events. She was in charge of hospitality, and participated in the Tea of Love fashion show, where she was a model. She also enjoyed Christmas with Santa. Another joy was preparing meals for holidays and special events for her children, relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Prince E. Smith and Ruth E. Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund, North Carolina A&T State University, Dowdy Bldg. 400 1601 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411