She was born in Staunton on November 3, 1925, the daughter of the late William Owen and Catharine (Hamrick) Bickle.
Mrs. Smith was educated in Staunton city schools, attended Mary Baldwin College, and was a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and Drexel University. In 1953 she married Claude Preston Smith, who predeceased her in 1956. She was a Librarian at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, at Staunton and Harrisonburg Public Libraries, Mary Baldwin College, and Shelburne and John Lewis Junior High Schools. An avid volunteer, she worked as a nurse’s aide during WWII in Staunton, a Girl Scout Leader, served in various roles at Central United Methodist Church, and as Librarian at Woodrow Wilson Birthplace. As a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for many years, she served in several offices including state president. She was a member of Thomas Hughart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for over 70 years, having served as Chapter Regent, and was a member of the Virginia Library Association. She traveled extensively within the United States and made several trips to the Soviet Union and Russia as well as to other destinations around the world.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Catharine Bickle Hankla and niece, Bonnie Staley Hankla.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her daughter, Catharine Carty and husband, James of Huddleston, VA; granddaughters, Virginia Fishburne Carty of Durham, NC, and Emily Bickle Carty and husband, Mariano Torcal of Salamanca, Spain; a niece, Catharine Hankla Clem of Staunton; and cousin, Thomas Bell Hamrick of Staunton.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2018 at Thornrose Cemetery, Staunton, with Rev. Won Un officiating. Reception will follow at Central United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Friends of the Staunton Library, 1 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401, Central United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 953, Staunton, VA 24402, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Staunton Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
