Mary Daves Smart, age 85, a longtime resident of Ellenboro, died Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Fairhaven Home.  She was born on March 10, 1938, in Rutherford County and was a daughter of the late Oscar Daves and Madge Robbins Daves.

Growing up in Rutherford County, she graduated in 1956 from Ellenboro High School where she was a standout player on the girls Basketball team.  She was also a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church and a retired bookkeeper.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth Daves, Jerry Daves, Jimmy Daves, her sister, Carolyn Daves, her half-brother, Jack Carpenter, and former husband, Ronald Wayne Smart.  

Survivors include her daughter, Lynn Smart Payne and husband Tim of Indian Land, South Carolina, her grandchildren, Rachel Payne of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Taylor Payne Routh and husband Blake of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, her great-grandson, Mason Routh, and her expectant great-grandchild, Lainey Routh.  There are also a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 3 o’clock on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in the Bethel Baptist Church with the Reverend Stephen Bright officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 o’clock prior to the service in the Family Life Center.

Flowers are accepted or memorials in her memory may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, Post Office Box 633, Ellenboro, North Carolina 28040 or the Rutherford County Humane Society, Post Office Box 998, Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com