Carolyn McGinnis Smart, age 89 of Rutherfordton, died Thursday, June 9, 2022, at her home. Carolyn was born in Rutherford County on February 8, 1933, and was a daughter of the late Henry Cato McGinnis and Hattie Bridges McGinnis. She was a graduate of Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School in the Class of 1951 and Kings Business College. Carolyn was a member of Florence Baptist Church. Her late husband traveled as a Regional Manager for Roses Department Stores and in each place they lived, she was active in church activities and formerly taught Sunday School. In 1971 the family returned to Rutherford County.
She previously served as a volunteer with the American Red Cross and her hobbies included Quilting and working in her yard.
Her husband of fifty-nine years, Ernest Ray Smart preceded her in death in 2011.
Survivors include her sons, Steven Scott Smart and wife Candy of Harris, Eric Alan Smart of Bessemer City, North Carolina, her daughter, Melanie Smart Hutchins and husband, Donald of Rutherfordton, her brother, Calvin McGinnis of Rutherfordton, and her sisters, Jane Ford and Bonnie Branch both of Rutherfordton. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Daniela Smart Gowan and husband Brandon, and Kyle Hutchins and wife Rebecca as well as great-grandchild, Jace Gowan.
The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Florence Baptist Church with the Reverend Tonya Garrison and Reverend Mike Elgin officiating. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the Narthex of the church from 1 until 2 o’clock prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Florence Baptist Church, 201 South Broadway Street, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or Hospice of The Carolina Foothills, Post Office Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.
The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com
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