Altha Roberta Smith

Altha Roberta Smith, 92, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted servant of the Lord, passed through this world into her eternal home on January 29, 2025. She was born at home on September 15, 1932, in Waynesville, NC, to William Bryan Plemmons and Martha Roberta Mull Plemmons.

Altha was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 59 years, Robert Lee Smith, who passed on May 19, 2010. They were married on August 26, 1951, and together built a life filled with love, hard work, and faith. She was also preceded in death by her son, Thomas Eugene Smith, husband of Martha “Marty” Smith; daughters-in-law, Martha “Jane” Smith and Robin Cogburn Smith; son-in-law, Gerald Harvey Whent; and her seven siblings: Lucille Wood, Maggie Mills, Houston Plemmons, Bill Plemmons, Jim Plemmons, George Plemmons, and Doyle Plemmons.

Altha leaves behind a remarkable legacy through her six children: Robert “Bob” Smith Jr., Harold “Dean” Smith, Thomas “Tom” Smith (deceased), Revonda Stamey, Kathy Whent, and Charles Phillip Smith. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren—Tammy, Robin, Charles Allen, Jackie, Christy, Anthony, Carrie, Miranda, Megan, Tamara, Jennifer, and Daniel —as well as 20 great-grandchildren (with one on the way) and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

A woman of unwavering faith, Altha endured life’s hardships with grace, always remaining kindhearted and generous. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, and no one ever left her home hungry—whether they intended to or not. Her home was a gathering place, filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of home-cooked meals.

She milked cows, churned butter, made cottage cheese, and provided for her young family with the skills of a true steward of the land. She was an avid canner and gardener, tending her garden and working her hands until arthritis no longer allowed her to snap beans as she once did. Even then she still put up beans, using a knife to cut them. 

Beyond her home, she was a hardworking woman, employed at the Silco sewing factory once her oldest children were able to help with the younger ones. She later earned her CDL and drove a mail truck, often traveling to Charlotte or Knoxville, but most frequently running the route between Asheville and Balsam, serving rural post offices along the way. 

Her greatest joy and calling in life, however, was serving God. She was a dedicated member of Pleasant Balsam Baptist Church and made sure her children were raised on the foundation of Scripture. Every evening, she gathered them in the living room, seating the older children on the couch and the younger ones on the floor around her. She would read at least two chapters of the Bible, and as each child grew old enough, they would take turns reading aloud. She often reminded them, “You need to hide God’s Word in your heart,” and she lived by that truth everyday.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Beth Eden Baptist Church. The receiving of family and friends will be from 1-2:30 with the funeral immediately following. Altha’s family requests that instead of sending flowers, please send donations to Haywood Christian Ministry, Samaritans Purse, or Beth Eden’s Food Pantry, as that would bring Altha the most joy. 

Her family and friends will forever cherish the love, wisdom, and strength she shared so freely. As she often said, “You be purty now.” 

The care of Ms. Smith has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville