Rebecca Walden Smith

Rebecca “Becky” Walden Smith, age 75, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, after a courageous and faith-filled four and a half year battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Danny Ray Smith, her son R. Patrick Smith (Jodi), her daughters Adrienne Smith Lownes and Emily Smith Miller (Mark), her grandsons Grady Miller, Murray Miller, Sam Lownes, and Russell Miller, her step-grandchilden Lauren Silver (Skyler Johnson) and Matthew Silver, and her step-great-grandson Mason Johnson.

Born on July 3, 1949, Becky was the daughter of A. Russell Walden and Bessie Faucett Walden. She is survived by three brothers, Andrew, Robert, and Kenneth Walden, and one sister, Kelly LaFever.

Becky graduated from Dorman High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Winthrop University, a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina, and a certification in vision education. Her career included teaching at Lexington Middle School, the Charles Lea Center, and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind.

Becky was a long-time member of Philadelphia Baptist Church before becoming a member of Central United Methodist Church in 2015. Throughout her life, she had a heart for children and serving others. She enjoyed working with the children through Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Philadelphia, and she volunteered regularly with Central members at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen. A thrifty spender regarding her own needs, she gave generously of her time, talents, and treasures to many local and national organizations throughout her life. She crocheted hundreds of scarves, blankets, and hats that have brought warmth and welcome to many throughout our community. Becky’s warmth, joy, patience, humor, compassion, generosity, and courage have left a lasting impact in our family and community, changing us for the better. Becky leaves behind family and friends saddened by her loss but sustained by her life of kindness, charity, and grace.

A graveside service for family will be held at Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Celebration of Life services will be held on Sunday, April 6 at 3:00pm at Central United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends in the church reception hall after the Sunday service.

The family would like to thank the many medical professionals who have been part of Becky’s journey. To the Spartanburg Regional Hospice team – the family is forever grateful for your partnership in caring for Becky during her last weeks. Thank you for equipping Danny, Patrick, Adrienne, and Emily with everything needed to give Becky the care and comfort she deserved while in her home, surrounded by family.

Memorials can be made to Central United Methodist Church, 233 N Church Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29306, or the Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, 139 S Dean Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory