Mary Ford Smith

Obituary: Mary Ford Smith, 85, was embraced into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. She was a truly loving and special lady to all who knew her. Mary was an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister. Born November 20, 1931 in Union County, she was a daughter of the late George and Alice Walkup Ford. She grew up learning hard work and humility on her family's farm. She carried the lessons of strength, integrity and humility that she learned in her early years throughout the rest of her life. In 1952, she married US Army Veteran, Doyle A. Smith, and moved to Concord. They remained married for 60 years, until his death in 2012. In 1954, Mary began her greatest role and job in her life, being a mother to Doyle Edward, who remained her pride and joy he whole life. Mary was a very dedicated and hard worker, working for 25 years at Kaiser Roth Hosiery. She later went to cosmetology school, which she passed with flying colors. Mary delighted and took strength in her close walk with her Lord. She rested in His promises during the highs and lows of her life. She was a faithful, active member of Kerr Memorial Baptist Church for 52 years. Mary's sunshine in her life was her family. She never failed to show through word or action that she cared. Every conversation ended in "I love you". She was a compassionate listener who said it all without saying a thing. Mary and her son were exceptionally close throughout his entire life. She took pride in her only son and in the man he became. Mary seemed to be destined to be the world's greatest Mamaw. She and her granddaughter Emily were kindred spirits who delighted in spending time together. She was truly a one in a million grandmother who gave so much of herself. She will be forever remembered and always loved. Family members include her son, Ed Smith and wife Carla; her loving granddaughter Emily Smith, of Kannapolis; many nieces and nephews, including Janice (James), Ruth (Billy), Milly, Joyce and Kathy; and her brother and sister-in-law Sonny and Bill Smith. The family will receive friends Friday, November 3rd from 1:00-2:00 at Kerr Memorial Baptist Church. Funeral services to remember and celebrate Mary's life will begin at 2:00 pm in the church, conducted by Rev. Darrell Brumfield, pastor. Mrs. Smith will be laid to rest beside her husband in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Kerr Memorial Baptist Church, 25 NC-49, Concord, NC 28025. On-line condolences may be made at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com Whitley's Funeral Home is serving the Smith family.
Visitation: 1:00-2:00 P.M. Friday November 3, 2017 Kerr Memorial Baptist Church

Service: 2:00 P.M. Friday November 3, 2017 Kerr Memorial Baptist Church

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery Concord, N.C.