Mary was born October 27, 1963 in Charlotte, NC to the late William Emerson McManus and Christine Barber McManus. She was raised in Matthews, NC and resided in Charlotte, Concord, Mooresville and Mount Holly. Mary was a graduate of East Mecklenburg High School. On Saturday mornings, instead of watching cartoons, she worked the concession stand at The Piedmont Flea Market owned by her parents.
Mary met her husband Paul playing Dungeons and Dragons while attending Western Carolina University where they fell in love and secretly became engaged after just 3 months of dating. Mary married Paul in 1997 and graduated from Central Piedmont Community College in 1998 with a degree in Medical Records Technology.
Mary earned the First Class award, the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA. After graduating college, she became a Girl Scout leader and has either led, co-led or assisted scout troops ever since. She recently received her 50 year pin for her service with the Girl Scouts. Mary was also a passionate volunteer at the Mooresville city schools, doing a yearly presentation on the American Flag and helping on an almost daily basis as an unofficial teacher’s assistant. Mary was awarded Volunteer of the Year by Mooresville City Schools.
Mary has several passions in life, including the American Flag, Classic Mustangs, Jumbo Peanut Butter Jars, Glen Campbell and Girl Scout collection, Pegasus collection, Campbell Soup, Ann McCaffery, Antiques and Hippo Therapy.
Those left behind to cherish her memory is her husband Paul of 31 years, son, Carver and daughter Gwendolyn and well as many other loved family members and friends. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Zorro.
A graveside service will be held for Mary at 11:00 AM ~ Monday, July 23, 2018 at Hillcrest Gardens in Mount Holly. Chaplain Paul Doyle will preside.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Carothers Funeral Home in Gastonia.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Girl Scouts of America or the Levine Cancer Center at www.atriumhealthfoundation.org.
Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com
Carothers Funeral Home in Gastonia is honored to serve the Smith family.
