Lynda Lea "DD" Smyre DeHart

Lynda Lea Smyre DeHart, age 74, of Hickory, NC passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 02, 2016, at Catawba Valley Medical Center after a brief illness. Lovingly called “Grandmother DD” by her grandchildren, she was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother and friend, as well as a vital force in the community right up to the end.

Born August 1, 1941, in Catawba County, Lynda was the daughter of Johnsie Rebecca Rhodes Smyre of Hickory, NC and the late Coy Emmet Smyre. Throughout her life she was a giving and caring “difference maker” who touched many lives and left her fingerprints on countless organizations in the community.

At the time of her death Lynda was Managing Partner of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Hickory Metro Real Estate. She earned her real estate license in 1979 and quickly became a top Realtor in Catawba County. Lynda was known for her strong sense of professionalism and integrity, but it was her personal touch that made her successful. She knew choosing a home was a serious decision and took her responsibility as Realtor to heart. She was known for going “above and beyond” to help clients make the right decision, and took pride in showing newcomers all the nooks and crannies of the community. (She was a big ambassador for Hickory!) Not surprisingly, she made many lifelong friendships along the way.

Despite her success in real estate and her incredible work ethic, Lynda never shortchanged her personal relationships. Far from it! She was deeply connected to her mother (still going strong at 102 years old), her children, her grandchildren and the rest of her extended family. In addition, she maintained a powerful bond with a close-knit group of friends she had known since high school.

Lynda was a deeply spiritual person. She was an active member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church (Mo. Synod) in Hickory, NC, where she had served on various committees and where she was a Stephen’s Minister and participant in Via de Christo. She was active in several Bible studies at her church and was an active member of Bible Study Fellowship in Hickory.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Amanda Welch and husband, Dwayne of Conover, NC; sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony DeHart and wife Dottie of Conover, NC, and Andrew DeHart and wife Bridget of Conover, NC; brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Smyre and wife Joice of Bethlehem, NC; and her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy: Amber DeHart and fiancé, Brian Sherrill, Andy DeHart, Lexie Welch, Anthony DeHart, II., Anderson Welch, Addie Jo Welch, Grayson Welch, Will DeHart, Katie Grace DeHart, and Abby DeHart; and her life-long friend, Lynn Mull Lail.

A celebration of Lynda’s life and service of remembrance will be held at 2:30 PM on Thursday, February 4, 2016, at St. Stephens Lutheran Church (Mo. Synod). The Rev. David Guelzow and Rev. David Ziehr will officiate and the burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Thursday.

Pallbearers will be: Andy DeHart, Anthony DeHart, II, Anderson Welch, Grayson Welch, Will DeHart, Greg Smyre, II, Brad Lail, and Scott Lail.

With Lynda’s love of her church, the family requests memorial contributions be made in her memory to: St. Stephens Lutheran Church (Mo. Synod), 2304 Springs Road NE, Hickory, NC, 28601.