Macel Smith Barton

Lillian Macel (Smith) Barton passed away peacefully in the company of family on April 15th, 2022 in Charlotte, NC. Macel was born December 6th,1925 in Meigs County, Ohio, the youngest of eight children.

Macel was married September 28th,1957 to Richard Sherman Barton of Point Pleasant, WVA. They were happily married for 45 years until Richard’s death in 2002. She was an avid gardener and long-time member of the Chester, Ohio Garden Club. Much to the chagrin of her family, she could often be found in early mornings or late evenings working tirelessly to ensure her flower beds were some of the prettiest in the area.

For over 50 years, Macel sold Home & Auto Insurance in rural Southeastern Ohio. She welcomed customers into her home for insurance, but often they also were served a home-made meal. Her customers became more than customers, they were neighbors, and often lifelong friends.

Macel was a Christian. She loved her Lord and loved her church. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Chester, Ohio for over 90 years. After moving to Charlotte, she attended Pineville Church of the Nazarene, and later Calvary Church of Charlotte. Living a life of service was extremely important to Macel, as she served in many church functions throughout her life. She served as church treasurer in Ohio up until her last three years. Even while spending the last few months in a nursing home, Macel looked for ways to help and serve others. She often told her children that she believed she had found her calling in the nursing home by assisting a disabled friend.

In addition to being preceded in death by her husband Richard, Macel was also preceded by her parents, Herbert (Bert) Smith and Matilda Jane (Partlow) Smith; four brothers, Alpha Smith (Lucille) of Reedsville, Ohio, Russell Smith (Samantha) of Glen Burnie, Maryland, Henry Smith (Francis) of Reedsville, Ohio, and Herbert Smith (Rachel) of Columbus, Ohio; and three sisters, Edna Smith Clark (Frank) of Hemlock Grove, Ohio, Jesse Smith Curtis (Sam) of Pomeroy, Ohio, and Gladys Smith Chaffee (Charles) of Silver Ridge, Ohio.

Macel is survived by three children, Kevin (Lori) of Charlotte, Drs. Maralyn Seavolt (Jason) of Powell, Ohio, and Caralyn Barton of Reedsville. Also surviving are the pride and joy of her life – her two grandsons, Ben Barton (Kelsie) of Charlotte and Aaron Barton (Erica) of Lancaster SC and their combined children: Elena, Emerson, Adrianna, and Beau.

She leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and an especially close niece, Bennetta Dickerson (Larry) of Proctorville, Ohio.

In three years, she made quite an impact at her new home in Charlotte by making many new friends who loved her dearly. The family would like to thank the many friends and loved ones for their outpouring of kindness and support.

There will be a service held by McEwen Funeral Home-Pineville Chapel, Charlotte, NC, on Wednesday, April, 20, 2022. Visitation will be held from 1:00-1:45 pm, with the service following at 2:00 pm.

Graveside services will be held in Pomeroy, Ohio at a later date, when Macel will be buried next to her beloved husband Richard.