Ann Smith (Mary Ann Nelson Smith), 90, of Lenoir, NC, peacefully joined her loving husband, parents, and siblings in eternity on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge in Blowing Rock, NC surrounded by her three daughters. Ann was born in the deep south of Mobile, Alabama and was the youngest of five children.  She was the daughter of Eben Edward Nelson and Alice Parks Nelson. She was born on Christmas day, 1933, just 11 months, 5 days, 2 hours, and 4 minutes (as she would say) after her sister, Lolly. Ann and Lolly spent much of their childhood as essentially twins. They often dressed alike and did most things together. As a preteen, Ann, being more interested in socializing than her siblings, was not at all happy when her family decided to move from the city to Dog River. All her friends and activities were in town not way out to Dog River where "nothing seemed to be happening" as she put it. After Ann socialized her way through and graduated from Murphy High School, she briefly attended business college before settling into working at her dad's business.

Ann met Lloyd Smith, Jr. while he was serving as an Ensign in the Navy in Alabama. They quickly fell in love and were married in Mobile, Alabama on Dec 21,1954 (Lloyd's 25th birthday). After living in Mobile for about 6 months, they decided to move to Chapel Hill where Lloyd remained in the naval reserves and taught classes at UNC Chapel Hill (his alma mater). Ann did secretarial work for almost a year until they were expecting their first child. Lloyd and his "southern belle" wife decided to move back to his hometown of Lenoir. Lloyd and Ann settled in nicely with family nearby and Lloyd became a CPA. Over the years the two had three daughters and a beautiful home. Ann and Lloyd were known for their true generosity and love throughout their community, church, and family. Ann continued to carry on these traditions after Lloyd's passing in 2004. Always concerned with the beauty of her surroundings (especially her roses), Ann made it her mission to make the world a more beautiful place.  She helped with numerous clubs and organizations over the years, but genuinely loved her time with the Garden Club. She spent many years as their treasurer. In her later years, she still loved seeing her multitude of roses in radiant bloom, even if only from the window of her house or the car. Although Ann's health worsened over the last few years as health issues began to take their toll, the Lord graciously allowed her to keep a sharp memory. During those years, Ann's daughter, Pam, lived with and lovingly cared for her and was blessed to be able to spend that quality time with her recording family memories and history.  Ann will always be remembered for her kindness and love. She generously welcomed all ages into her home for holiday gatherings, family events, or just a quick stop for someone driving through the area. "Grandmommy Ann", as most of her family knew her, will live on forever in our hearts and will always be remembered

Ann was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Lloyd B. Smith, Jr, her parents, Eben E. Nelson and Alice Parks Nelson, along with her four siblings, Alice I. Shelly, George (Buddy) Nelson, James (Jimmy) Nelson, and Gloria (Lolly) Rickert. Those left to forever carry Ann's memory in their hearts are her three daughters: Susan S. Morgan of Lenoir, Claire S. Cates (Tom Goralski) of Carolina Beach, and Pamela S. Cooke (Tim) of Granite Falls; her six grandchildren: Stephanie Alm (Don) of Lenoir, Patrick Morgan (Kimberly) of Lenoir, Nicky Scott (Billy) of Raleigh, Keri Turner (Matt) of Sulfolk, VA, Kendall Cooke (Stacy Kline) of Asheville, and Katelin Harmon (Isaac) of Roan Mountain, TN; her four great-grandchildren: Donny Alm, Alex Alm, Allie Turner, and Nash Turner; her special niece: Sally McCarthy of Lenoir: numerous other nieces and nephews and their children, and special caregivers near the end, Donna Stewart, Angie Welch and others from hospice (Amorem) and Avail.

By Ann's request, a private celebration of life service will be held for the family.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Lenoir (Youth Group or Music Program) - 309 Church St NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or Amorem (Hospice) - 902 Kirkwood St NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.  Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.