Sarah R. Smith

Born in Anson County December 6, 1924, she was the youngest child of Thomas M. Ratliff and Sarah David Huntley. Lou was a graduate of Morven High School where she was a cheerleader and played on the basketball team. Before moving to Charlotte, she attended Elon College. After becoming a Charlottean in her early twenties, Lou loved dances at the Fireman’s hall, her job in the offices at Folger Buick, an active social life and even the Miss Charlotte pageant!!

Lou married Walter V. Smith on January 26, 1951. After the service, the couple began their union by kneeling together and praying God would bless them with a long and happy marriage. Lovingly known as “Princess” to her husband, they celebrated over 50 years together before Walter’s passing. A charter member of Park Road Baptist Church established in 1950, Lou was involved in the children’s Sunday school program where she was a lead volunteer for many years. Also active in service to her community, she was a member of the “Esso Nightingales” and the Adult Volunteers at Presbyterian Hospital.

Lou’s favorite place in the world was the beach where she loved sunbathing, White Russians and dancing the night away. Fancy shoes and flashy jewelry were a passion! Never one to mince words, Lou spoke her mind and you always knew how she felt about everyone and everything. She was dedicated to and proud of “her boys” Cal and Gary and especially fond of her daughter-in-law, Jacki, who had become her best friend and running buddy for the last 25 years.

She is survived by her son, Walter “Cal” Smith and his fiancée Kathy D’Andrea; her son, Gary W. Smith and his wife Jacki, all of Cornelius; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her beloved parents; sisters, Frances and Eleanor; and a brother, Robert.

The family would like to thank the staff at Carillon Assisted Living in Huntersville, along with all of the wonderful caregivers she has had over the years.

A service of celebration will be held on Thursday, January 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Park Road Baptist Church, 3900 Park Road. There will be a luncheon reception at the church following the service. Interment at Sharon Memorial Park will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to Park Road Baptist Children’s Ministry or Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region.