Sandra Boone “Sandy” Smith, age 81 of Green Hill died Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.   Sandy, as she was known to her family and friends, was born on January 9, 1944, in Greenville, South Carolina but grew up in Charleston, South Carolina.   She was the daughter of the late Reverend Walter E. Boone and Flora Vaughan Boone. 

Sandy was a graduate of Boiling Springs High School in Boiling Springs, South Carolina.  She received her undergraduate degree in education from Furman University and her master’s degree from Converse College. 

In 1967 she married Robert Wesley “Bob” Smith, and they started a family.  They eventually made their home in Ellenboro, and she began her teaching career.  She taught at Ellenboro Elementary and later taught K-3 in the Spanish program which traveled throughout the county.  Her last teaching assignment was at Pinnacle Elementary where she retired.

Sandy was for many years an active member of the First Baptist Church of Forest City where she played in the handbell choir and was ordained a Deacon of the church.   She and Bob were active in the youth of the church especially summer mission trips as they chaperoned and traveled the United States.  She and Bob were also members of the former Rutherford County Rescue Crew in Forest City.

After moving to Green Hill, she joined First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton where she was active in the Handbell Choir, the Joy Group and the Children’s Nursery until just two months ago.    

Sandy loved to travel and camp and together with her husband traveled to all 50 states, making many wonderful friends along the way.  She enjoyed her cardmaking group and she made cards for every occasion for her family and friends. 

The most important thing in her life was her family and spending time with them.   Her grandchildren were at the center of her life, and she cherished every minute spent with them.  She never missed the opportunity to support them at church, school or sporting events.  Sandy was also a excellent cook and she prepared many meals for her family and friends over the years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Eugene Boone in 2024.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bob Smith of the home, her son, Wesley Smith and wife Angie of Forest City, her daughter, Laura Smith Hodge and husband Todd of Rutherfordton, her five grandchildren, Luke Smith (Brielle), Landon Smith (Emily), Lane Smith (Saige Patterson), Grier Hodge, and Boone Hodge.  There are also two great-grandchildren, Alora Smith and Ella Smith.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3 o’clock on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton with the Reverend Aimee Hobbs officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:45 in the Fellowship Hall prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to the  First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, Music Reserve, 246 North Main Street, 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