Helen Arbutus Smith

She was born in Iredell County to the late Marvin Boyd Childers and Nola Levan Childers. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by one brother, Jesse Boyd Childers and sister-in-law, Barbara Williams Childers.

Surviving are two daughters; Donna G. Stacy, (Brian), of Mesquite, TX and Gina C. Adkins of Shallotte, N.C., four grandchildren, Adam Robertson and Sarah Stacy of Texas, Ashley Steele of Washington, and Leanna Clanton of Shallotte, and one great granddaughter, Amy Jones of Shallotte. In addition, two stepsons, John Boone Smith, Jr. and Webb Smith, both of the Atlanta, GA area, and one step daughter, Angela Smith of Florida. Seven step grandchildren also survive.

Better known to her friends as "Boots". Mrs. Smith spent most of her career as a newspaper writer and photographer. She began by writing a school column for her high school at Central High, where she graduated in 1956. The first newspaper that she worked for was the Statesville Record and Landmark. Boots later moved to North Myrtle Beach, S.C. where she continued her writing career, becoming employed by The North Myrtle Beach Times, still owned by her dear friend, Pauline Lowman. She continued working for the Times for many years and was awarded a number of writing and photographer awards which were presented to her by the South Carolina Press Association.

Enjoying many interests during her career life, Boots also attended the S.C. Police Academy in Columbia, S.C. and spent many hours working with the NMB Police Department. She also enjoyed working in tourism and was a PR Director for the Maritime Corporation in NMB.

Following her retirement, Boots met and married John Smith in 1987 and they moved to Shallotte, N.C. where they owned and operated Boone's Cove Custom Framing and Art Gallery on Main Street in Shallotte.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a member.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to any charity of your choice would be appreciated. As an avid animal lover, any gift of kindness to our animal friends would be appreciated, especially to the homeless one in Brunswick County or to R.A.C.E. of Brunswick County, N.C.

You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Drive, Shallotte, North Carolina.