Retha first brought joy to the world on May 25, 1950. She graduated from Dunn High School and then graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Elementary Education and MAEd in Intermediate Education and subsequently, completed her Graduate Certification in Special Education and Gifted Education from East Carolina University, Certification in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Nutrition, and joined the North Carolina Teacher Academy, Middle School Literacy Coach 3 year training program. Retha earned many awards for her excellence in teaching.

Retha is survived by her son, Lloyd Clifton Smith, III (Clif) and wife, Peggy of Merry Hill; her daughter, Jessica Henry Glendenning and husband, Michael (Chip) of Raleigh; granddaughters, Lucy Ann Glendenning and Isabelle Flora Rose Smith; sister, Kay Ivey and husband, Oliver; brother, Glenn Godwin and wife, Theresa; sister, Judy Tyndall and husband, Bryant; nephew, Chris Ivey, wife, Karen (Kuppé), and great niece, Kristen; numerous extended family members; loved companion, Tom Peddicord; cherished friends from Windsor, Raleigh, and Dunn; father of her children and dear friend, Lloyd Smith; co-workers and beloved students at Partnership Elementary in Raleigh; and co-workers and beloved students from her 37 years of service to Bertie County Schools and 6 years of service to Wake County Schools. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Godwin, her mother, Frances McLamb, daddy, Sam Norris, and treasured friend, Lucille Sanderlin.

Retha died on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at her home in Raleigh. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27613. The Reverend Stephanie Allen will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Partnership Foundation, 601 Devereux Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605 and Church of the Nativity.