Catherine Stevenson Smith

Catherine Stevenson Smith

A charter member of the greatest generation has departed…. A life well lived, filled with humility, compassion, and kindness….

Catherine Stevenson Smith left us unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. She was 99 years old and was looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday in November.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 27, at Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver, N.C., with the Rev. David Bonnema officiating. Live-streaming will be available. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends, at the church, following the service.

She will be missed and mourned by her three surviving children, sons, John (Terre) of Roswell, Ga., and Chris (Cecelia) of Southport; daughter, Suzanne Nadler (Brandon) Gonzales, La. Catherine's daughter, Kay Tittel died in July this year. Catherine was delighted as she proudly watched her family grow to include six grandchildren and four very special great-grandchildren.

Catherine was a lifelong North Carolinian. Growing up on a self-sustaining dairy farm outside Statesville, she remained strong at home as her husband, Smitty, marched across North Africa, France, and Germany. When he returned, she provided a warm loving household for her family as they lived first in Salisbury and later Lincolnton. After the kids aged out, she and Smitty moved permanently to Lake Norman, where they hosted family and friends for over 30 years. As advanced age tugged, they moved to Abernethy Laurels in Newton. After Smitty's death in 2010, she continued to live independently at Abernethy regaling friends and neighbors with her game skills, cheerful giving nature and especially her biscuits and stickies.

Catherine was physically and mentally sharp. On her daily walks down Geitner Ave., she consistently left her younger octogenarian neighbors huffing and puffing. Extremely competitive, Catherine routinely embarrassed her children, grandchildren, and neighbors in "friendly "games of Rummikub. She loved to play bridge for the skills and social aspects of the game.

Catherine genuinely enjoyed life. She loved to sit in her swing under the dogwood in the front yard. She loved feeding and watching the birds. And she absolutely loved eating out. Of late, catfish at the Harbor Inn was a favorite. She and neighbors regularly shared Tuesday night delivered dinners at Abernethy. The food was good, but the fellowship was even better.

Catherine Smith was a quiet, devout believer who supported her community and her church family. Special friends made certain that she had transportation to church every Sunday. Her oldest son said, "There was a blessing at every meal at our house; and every blessing ended with 'And let us not forget to be kind'." That summed up Catherine Smith: She was kind. She never complained, she just got on with whatever confronted her.

She was a most generous quiet giver of her time and resources. For years she volunteered at Assisted Living at Abernethy helping serve lunch to those who needed assistance. When asked why help when she was so much older than those she was serving, she said she believed everyone deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. And she would whisper, "they also give me a free lunch." Abernethy Laurels recognized her contributions with a Volunteer of the Year Award in 2018.

Catherine was constantly fearful of falling. Her walker was always nearby. But Monday evening, Aug. 22, 2022, as she was reaching into the refrigerator freezer, she fell. After being transported to emergency room, she was diagnosed with a broken collar bone and pelvis broken in two places. She remained alert and clear headed throughout but was in excruciating pain. She, however, did not lose her sense of humor. When the nurse asked her to assess her level of pain, she said, "Zero, as long as I don't move!" The trauma was more than her 99-year-old body could sustain.

Catherine Smith lived a most full and productive life. Her immortality on earth will be guaranteed through our loving memories of her warm welcoming smile, gentle kindness, and unselfish generosity. The resulting void will be difficult for many of us to manage.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Unity Presbyterian Church, 8210 Unity Church Rd., Denver, NC 28037, or Julius Society, Abernethy Laurels, 102 Leonard Ave., Newton, NC 28658.

Warlick Funeral Home

www.warlickfuneralhome.net