Mrs. Rodney Ann Smith

Rodney Ann Brown Smith, born in the Art Cloth area of Ranlo, NC, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in Gastonia, NC.

Rodney was born the second child of six on August 22, 1935. She graduated from the Cramerton School - Gooo Eagles! - in 1953. In the fall of 1954, Rodney married her one true love and became the beloved wife to Calvin Marcellus "Babe" Smith in a beautiful marriage that lasted 63 years, until Babe passed in 2016. Their perfect marriage was blessed with two daughters: Kelli Ann Smith Johnson (Harris Lee Johnson, Jr.) and Tracy Marcella Smith Lemmer (Cris Hargett) and two beautiful grands: Ranz Joseph Lemmer (aged 30) and Carla Grace Johnson (aged 25).

Rodney worked many years in the legal profession, then finished her career and retired from BellSouth Telecommunications as a manager in their Public Relations department.

Rodney had an endearing love for her grandchildren and spent many years loving and caring for them. Along with her two daughters, they were her greatest treasures.

Rodney earned her family nickname "Scoop" by being the singular member of her extended families on each side snapping, printing, and distributing many, many photos. She also adored the many cats and dogs that shared the home for years.

She is survived by her youngest daughter Tracy Smith Lemmer of Gastonia, grandson Ranz Joseph Lemmer, his wife Margaret Mauney Lemmer, and great-grandsons Calvin Parks Lemmer and Nolan Richard Michael Lemmer. She was preceded in death by her best friend and husband Calvin "Babe" Smith, and by her eldest daughter Kelli Smith Johnson. Kelli left behind husband Harris Lee Johnson, Jr. and daughter Carla Grace Johnson of Greensboro, NC.

Rodney is also survived by her oldest sister and best friend, Barbara Nell Brown Wansley, and younger brothers Jerry Michael Brown and David Lock Brown. She was also preceded in death by her Mother Alma Louise Allen Brown and Gary Mack Brown, sisters Linda Sue Brown Brittian and Janice Louise Brown Hoffman. Rodney also leaves behind a joyous family that includes many nieces and nephews who adoringly refer to her as Aunt Roddie.

She will be missed by many.

A visitation for Rodney will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054. A funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home's chapel at 2:00 PM. The committal service will follow after all services at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054.

Please do as your heart leads you regarding the following:

Floral delivery to:

Carother’s Funeral Home

for Rodney Ann Smith

2205 Williamsburg Drive

Gastonia, NC 28054

carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com

704-867-6337

Or

Alzheimer’s Association

501(c)(3) organization

Fed Tax ID: 13-3039601

alz.org

Donations are tax-deductible

225 N. Michigan Ave, Fl. 17

Chicago, IL 60601

As a tribute to Rodney Ann Smith