Lynne Smith Galvin

Connelly Springs, Lynne Smith Galvin, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Elizabeth House.

A native of Burke County, she was a daughter of the late Rex Gordon Smith and Ila Le Lail Smith.  She was preceded in death by her dear husband, John Thomas Galvin, Sr. who died in 1988.

Lynne dedicated her life to academia as a student and educator.  Lynne graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC receiving a BA Degree in Elementary Education.  She taught students in primary grades in Fairport, NY and Brentwood, TN.  While residing in TN she received a BA Degree from O’More College in Design with a minor in Historic Preservation.  Lynne returned to Connelly Springs where she taught at Western Piedmont Community College and retired after teaching in the Humanities/Social Science Department for over 25 years.  During that time, she attended the University of North Carolina, Asheville, NC and received a Master of Fine Arts Degree.

Lynne was most proud of her books she published preserving the history of small towns in NC dedicating them to her beloved mother Ila Smith.  She received awards from the NC Society of Historians and was a recipient of Gertrude Caraway Award.

Lynne loved her family, friends, career, and preserving history.  Family would like to sincerely thank all the staff at Haywood Regional Medical Center and Four Season Hospice for her recent care.

Lynne is survived by her two sons, Mitch and Mark Galvin. 

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023, at Mountain View Cemetery in Connelly Springs with Pastor Mike Hicks officiating.

Memorials may be made to Elizabeth House, 571 South Allen Street, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Historic Burke Foundation at historicburke.org.