Mary L. Smith

Mary Louise Elmore Smith died peacefully Sept. 3 in Manchester Center, Vt., after an extended period of declining health.A resident of Lenoir for 50 years, Mary was affable, engaging and loved to laugh out loud. She was caring and generous, a doting grandmother. She was an avid gardener and eager, curious traveler. She enjoyed a round of golf or an afternoon of bridge with friends. She kept a warm, comfortable home and was an energetic hostess.Born Jan. 11, 1920 in Gaffney, S.C., Mary was the daughter of Albert Dexter Elmore and Annie Laurie Alexander Elmore.She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Alton Smith Jr.Mary is survived by daughter Sandra Smith McGranahan and husband Edward of Taylors, S.C., son Ronald E. Smith and wife Barbara of Manchester Center, Vt., son Thomas A. Smith and wife Carmen Regina of Lenoir, and grandchildren Hale McGranahan, Laurie McGranahan, Jeffrey Smith, Maggie Smith and Wilson Smith.Visitation is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at Pendry Funeral Home in Lenoir. Dr. David Smith of First Baptist Church of Lenoir will conduct a 2 p.m. graveside service at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:Sisters Medical Fund, c/o Rene G. Courtney & Carmen Regina Smith, First Citizens Bank, 115 Blowing Rock Blvd., Lenoir, N.C. 28645