Brenda Rathbone

Waynesville, Brenda Gail Smathers Rathbone, age 59, of the Hemphill community, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at MedWest-Haywood Regional Medical Center. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late William Clayton Smathers and Nola Smathers and was also preceded in death by four uncles, Jack, Harold, William "Dock" and Charles "Red" Smathers and her aunt Jane Payne. She was a 1970 graduate of Tuscola High School and studied psychology at Mars Hill College before attending classes in the business curriculum at Haywood Community College. Brenda loved her work family at Mountain Medical where she worked for nine years up until 2007. Brenda was also crazy about her grandchildren and loved them with all her heart. She attended Old Pathway Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Bobby Joe Rathbone; a daughter, Cristy Rathbone Ferguson and her husband, Davis; a son, Brandon Rathbone and his wife, Autumn; her mother, Catherine Banks; three half sisters, Wanda Caldwell, Doris Ashe, and Linda Snyder; one half brother, Steve Banks; four grandsons, Cody Ferguson, Canyon, Colton and Jacob Rathbone; and two uncles, Carroll Smathers and his wife, Bernice and Bill Smathers and his wife, Nancy. She is also survived by a very special aunt, Rita Smathers, who she loved very much, and a special friend, Loretta Revis. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at Old Pathway Baptist Church with Reverend Chad Ellege officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to services at the church and at other times, at the home. Brenda was so thankful for the support of her family and friends. Memorials may be made to Old Pathway Baptist Church, P.O. Box 112, Waynesville, NC 28786.

Previous Events