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Groce Funeral Home - West Asheville

1401 Patton Avenue

Asheville, North Carolina

Emma Smith Obituary

Emma Jean Smith

Asheville - Emma Jean Smith, lovingly known to many as "Mama Jean," went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 12, 2013.

A lifelong resident of Asheville, she was the daughter of the late Addie Goforth, and Whiley and Liz Goforth. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Cricket Dean, and brothers, James and Robert Goforth.

She is survived by her six children, William Goforth, Marsha Coleman, Jessie Childers, Melinda Childers and boyfriend Toe, Jeanie McMahan and husband Brian, Charles Ray and wife Gina, all of Asheville; four grandsons, Christopher, Austin, Cody, and Brandon, and one great-grandson, Braxton, all of Asheville; brothers, Ronald, Rick, and Dink Goforth; serveral nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Mama Jean was a strong, loving, caring woman who worked as a bartender in Asheville for many years. She loved her family and friends dearly. She was a breast cancer survivor, and her family gives special thanks to everyone at The Hope Women's Cancer Center of Asheville for taking great care of her.

Her family will receive friends at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. on Saturday, July 20, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Immediately following that visitation, her friends and family are invited to gather at Lake Julian Park for a celebration of Mama Jean's life.

The online register may be signed at www.grocefuneralhome.com.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Jul. 14, 2013.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Emma Smith

Not sure what to say?





I miss you sooo much. Love and hugs going to heaven watch us all.we will meet again someday soon...

Janie Bollinger

July 22, 2013

you will be missed love Galen Follett & the entire Follett Family.

July 19, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

July 19, 2013

Thoughts are with the family.
Rest in Peace Jean.
Brenda (Burrell) Case

July 18, 2013

You'll be missed Granny. I'll keep you in my heart always. I love you.

Shannon Crawford

July 16, 2013

So sorry to hear about the loss of Mam Jean. She was such a special woman, who will be dearly missed

Liz Grant

July 14, 2013

Peggy Goforth and family, you will be missed. So sorry for the loss you all are going through call me any time love you all, Peggy.

Peggy Goforth

July 14, 2013

Rita Goforth-Breeden and family, love you dearly wish I could have spent more time with you but the time I did spend with you will never forget, please tell dad I said hi and I miss him.

Rita Goforth

July 14, 2013

i am very sorry to here about your mom . I love and care for her very much.

TAMARA STATON

July 14, 2013

In loving memory of a dear friend. Sending prayers for comfort to family and friends. R.I.P. Jean.

Sandra Wheeler

July 14, 2013

I love you ant Jean. We will miss you dearly. Dad sends his love to all the kids.

Janie Goforth

July 14, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Groce Funeral Home - West Asheville

1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806

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