Peggy Little Arndt Smith

Peggy was born on Monday, January 7, 1929 to the late Huitt Little Arndt and Sallie Wike Arndt.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Wayne M. Smith; sons, Donald M. Smith, G. Doug Smith; brother, Joe F. Arndt, sisters, Sally A. Hampton, Jerolyne A. Lail; and grandson, Matthew G. Smith.

Peggy graduated from Newton Conover High School in 1947 and attended Lenoir Rhyne College. She worked at Catawba Hospital as a switchboard operator and in the business office for several years. Peggy married Wayne M. Smith on July 24, 1948. She then worked at Conover Medical Clinic for 32.5 years as a receptionist and bookkeeper. Peggy loved high school and college sports. She attended many football and basketball games, and she served as treasurer of NCHS Athletic Booster Club for 32.5 years. Peggy was inducted into the NCHS Sports Hall of Fame 2011-2012. In 2023, Peggy was recognized for her long time support of Newton Conover High School by being a recipient of the Red Blazer. Peggy traveled extensively to see her grandchildren play softball, volleyball, basketball, and track. When she wasn’t at a ball game, Peggy enjoyed reading a book or watching sports on TV.

Those left to cherish Peggy’s memory are son, Michael W. Smith (Kathy); daughters, Melinda S. McCormick, Melanie S. Matthews (Eddie); granddaughters, Stephanie Stanwick (Jeff), Jana Chinners (Nick), Josie Matthews, Hannah White (Cory); grandsons, Christopher Smith (Leah), Chad Smith, Nathan Smith, Andy Smith (Shannon), Elliot Smith, Jacob Matthews (Gracen), great grandchildren, Cydney Daniel (Caleb), Megan Powel (Marshall), Rachel Smith, Nikolas Smith, Kassian Smith, Theodore Smith, Jett Chinners, Jaxx Chinners, Scout Marie Matthews, Ila Grace Matthews and Ada Jo Matthews, Margot White, and Oliver Daniel.

The family will receive friends from 1:30pm to 2:45pm on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2126 Saint John’s Church Rd NE Conover, NC 28613.

A funeral service for Peggy will be held at 3pm Sunday, October 27, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Anton Lagoutine and Pastor Luke Self officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to any of the following missions at St. John’s Lutheran Church: Building Bridges, Sharing Center, or Short Term Missions, 2126 Saint Johns Church Rd NE, Conover, NC 28613 or stjohnsconover.com/donate.

Condolences may be sent to the Smith family at www.drumfh-conover.com

The Smith family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.