Matthew Bynum Smitherman

Obituary Matthew Bynum Smitherman, 34, of Sealevel, NC went to be with our Lord on Sunday December 11, 2022, at Carteret Health Care of Morehead City. He passed peacefully from the arms of his loving parents to go sit on Jesus lap. Matthew was born October 4, 1988 at Forsyth Hospital in Winston Salem, NC to Deanna and Bryce Smitherman, Jr. Matthew graduated in 2007 from Forbush High School in East Bend, NC. He went on to Beyond Academics for a two-year program at UNCG. Matthew loved the outdoors. He enjoyed riding his four-wheeler, deer hunting, fishing and playing golf. Matthew represented NC in the International Special Olympics on the golf team. He brought home the bronze medal. His favorite golf partner was his Great Uncle Larry Matthews, who certainly lived up to that title for Matthew and their golf games. Matthew was an old soul who really liked to visit and be surrounded by people. He loved hugs and had a contagious smile like no other. He could light up a room with his smile. He suffered from a rare disorder called Cockayne Syndrome. It is a genetic disorder he was born with but wasnt diagnosed until much later in his life. It really took its toll on him within the last 5 years. Matthew was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Mollie and Bryce Smitherman; aunt Janice Baity and his service dog and soulmate, Oreo. Matthew is survived by his parents, Deanna and Bryce Smitherman, Jr. of Sealevel, NC; brother, Bryan (Ashley) Smitherman of Durham, NC; sister Rachel (Gino) of Yadkinville, NC; five nieces and nephews: Wyatt Smitherman, Yates Smitherman, Mikenna Goodman, Jace Loman and Alana Amato; maternal grandparents Sue and Dean Matthews of East Bend, NC; aunt Emily (Eric) Hazen of East Bend, NC; cousins Oliver, Isaac and Josey Hazen; uncle James (Karen) Smitherman and cousin Jade; uncle Charles (Denise) Smitherman and cousins Ashley Miller and Miranda Hines; uncle Steve Baity and cousin Rhonda Finney. Matthew leaves behind his new service puppy, Moe. The family would like to thank everyone at SeaSide Restaurant and Harker Island Rescue that helped with Matthew, as well as the doctors and staff at Carteret Health Care. A Celebration of Matthews Life will be held at SeaLevel Methodist on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 3pm. The family will receive friends after the service. In lieu flowers, please consider donating to one of the following: Special Olympics of NC Share and Care Cockayne Syndrome Network Shady Grove UMC Cemetery Fund Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC. Services Celebration of Life Sunday January 15, 2023 3:00 PM Sealevel Methodist Church 422 Nelson Neck Rd. Sealevel, NC 28577