Hazel Smith

"Lover of Life" Canton - Hazel Hightower Smith –age 95, of the Dutch Cove community, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at her daughter's residence. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Hester Green Hightower. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford David Smith, who died in 1997; two granddaughters, Annette McDaris Payne and Rhonda Smith Messer; six brothers; and two sisters. Hazel was a dear lady who will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. She grew up in a large family and cared deeply for each of her siblings, especially her special needs brother, Olis and her brother, whom she helped raise, J.T. She learned at an early age a strong work ethic and how to be resourceful. Hazel was a beautiful lady inside and out who was always well put together and took pride in her appearance. One of her talents was cooking and she was known for her delicious biscuits, blackberry dumplings and fried pies. She was also known for having a true green thumb when it came to working in her flowers . Caring for her family always came first, they were the most important part of her life. Hazel was a member of Dutch Cove Baptist Church. She is survived by four daughters, Lovada McDaris and husband, Richard, Letta Sherrill and husband, Billy, all of Waynesville, Linda Stienbarger and husband, Stan, of Canton, and Lovenda Mears and husband, Steve, of Clyde; two sons, Charles Smith and wife, Mary, of Waynesville, and Cecil Smith and wife, Christine, of Fletcher; four sisters, Edith Payne of Virginia, Ethel McMahan of Asheville, Alice Pressley and Addie Reece, both of Canton; two brothers, John "J.T." Hightower of Clyde, and Mack Hightower of Canton; 12 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with her grandson, Reverend Alan Mears officiating. Burial will follow at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to ARC of Haywood County, 407 Welch Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 or to Special Olympics of North Carolina, 2200 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Suite 201, Morrisville, NC 27560-9122.

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