Elizabeth S. Smith

Elizabeth Sheppard Smith, 93, of Charlotte died on Friday, March 9, 2012. Mrs. Smith was born on August 24, 1918 in Cumberland County, N.C. The former Derita High School graduate moved to Charlotte when she was 6 and lived there all of her life. Her parents were Florence Brunor Sheppard and Earnest Allen Sheppard, both deceased.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by husbands Robert McElrath Lail and Walter Reginald Smith. She was also preceded by two sisters, Mildred Shepard Parker and Doris Katherine Shepard Hampton, as well as one brother, Ernest Allen Shepard II.

Survivors include daughter, Roberta Lail Hayes and husband Charles Ulysses Hayes; two grandchildren, Robert Steven Emery and Elizabeth Charlotte Szilagyi Eyer; five great-grandchildren, Christopher Lail Emery, Steven Kendall Emery, Joseph Benson Emery, Jozsef Arlan Eyer, and Gabrielle Leila Eyer; and two great-great-grandchildren, Samuel Robert Emery and Nathaniel Lucas Emery.

Elizabeth was a member of First Baptist Church of Charlotte. In the past, she served as a Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher and circle chairman.

During World War II, Elizabeth worked at the Shell plant in Mecklenburg County, and was a member of the American Rosie the Riviter Association. She was employed by the U.S. Rubber Company, and after retirement served as a volunteer at Presbyterian Hospital. Elizabeth was a gifted artist and enjoyed cooking great meals. She also was an avid reader, gardener, and loved a good game of cards.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Summit of South Park and Hospice Charlotte for the care during the past six years of her life. Faithful friends included her niece, Hazel Lail Taylor and her husband Tommy, Beatrice O’Campo, Elva Rodriguez and Bernice Brisuella.

A memorial service will be held at 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Summit of South Park in the activities room 2nd floor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care 1420 E. 7th St. Charlotte, NC 28204.