Juanita Smith Hodge, age 60 of Wilmington passed peacefully Thursday May 14, 2026 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice.

She was born November 19, 1965 in Duplin County daughter of the late Hubert Smith and Aurora English. She was also predeceased by her step father, James T. English Sr.

She is survived by two daughters, Sarah Rose Doiron (Zachary), and Rachel Lynn Hodge; granddaughter, Lydia Doiron; brothers, Henry Russell Smith and James T. English Jr., (Amy Euverard); niece, Candice English; nephews, Andrew Smith (Krista), Allen English and Hunter English (Macy); god daughter, Brittany Spencer; cousin/friend/caregiver, Wanda Rivenbark ; boyfriend, Ken Lewis; lifelong friends, Carol Lynn Shrader (deceased), Marilyn King, Sherri Idol and Kim Wood; and many cousins, many nieces and nephews, and many family and friends.

Juanita loved the Myrtle Grove sound area where she grew up and lived the majority of her life. She cared immensely for her family and friends and showed this in everything she did for them. Juanita enjoyed hosting family gatherings and cooking for everyone during the holidays. She loved spending time with the kids and watching them play and grow. She enjoyed working with Girl Scouts for many years and enjoyed volunteering with troops. With every job she worked she was proud and always eager to help people any way she could. Juanita loved the sea (but not necessarily the beach), sunflowers, fall, and quality time with family and friends.

A celebration of her life will be announced in the near future.