Wanda Lou Bacot Smith, age 70, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, June 11, 2026, between midnight and 2:00 a.m., surrounded in spirit by the love of her husband and her 90-pound fur baby, Breya. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, Wanda's life was defined by unwavering love, quiet strength, and deep commitment to those she held dear.

She was born on May 16, 1956, to Archie Bacot and Betty Lou Walters Stephenson, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her loving in-laws, Harold & Ruth Smith, and her great-grandson, Kalum Smith.

Wanda was 16 years old when she married her best friend and love of her life, Ray. Throughout 53 years, a partnership was built on devotion, resilience, and lifelong companionship. Together they built a family and a life filled with memories that will continue to live on through those whom she loved most.

She will be remembered by her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the way she made people feel welcomed and cared for.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Ray; her two daughters, Amanda Hope and Farrah Labree; her five grandchildren: Austin Ray Blake (Chelsea), Alec Jordan "AJ" (Lexi), Ayden Brent, Annekah Blayre, and Kylie Grace; her six great-grandchildren: Bentley Ray Meares, Landon Alec Meares, Raiden Blake Smith, Lauralee Meares, Layton Jack Meares, and Axel Lee Smith; and her brothers- and sisters-in-love: Harold Junior Smith, Ada Smith, Sandra Kaye Willoughby (Mitchell), Terri Smith Gerald, Benny Gerald, Lisa Smith Hendren, and Joe Hendren. She also leaves behind a paternal niece, Gwen Ginna Bacot Daniels, and a host of nephews and nieces whom she loved so much, along with aunts and uncles whom she loved immensely. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will remain forever.

A time of visitation will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 7:00-9:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC, where friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate her life.

A Celebration of Life honoring Wanda's life and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind will be held on Monay, June 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 12883 NC Hwy 41 North in Lumberton, NC. Burial will follow at West Family Cemetery.

Though she is absent from the body, we know she is rejoicing with Jesus, celebrating with loved ones, waiting on us and holding Kalum.