Annie Darlene Smith, 81, of Granite Falls, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024 following a period of declining health.

Annie was born on July 29, 1942 in Watauga County to the late John Wellington Ford and Margaret Aileen Coffey Ford.

Annie Darlene was married to the love of her life William "Bill" Lee Smith on June 28th, 1961.

She spent her early years as a military wife, raising children in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, and England. While in England, she grew a love for antiques and brought many home to North Carolina. Once Bill retired from 21 years in the United States Air Force they settled down in the outskirts of Granite Falls in Grace Chapel.

Annie got the surprise of another child, Chris. She absolutely loved raising him along with babysitting her grandchildren. They were her life. Annie loved family gatherings. She made her famous sausage roll every Christmas morning. The aroma of maple sausage will never be forgotten. The tradition is carried on.

Annie also loved her nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters with all her heart. She enjoyed art, church, and her furbabies.

The family wants to let everyone know that Annie expressed her wishes to be with Bill. So please do not be sorry for her homecoming. We are certain that Bill grabbed her up at 12:05 AM on June 9th and had not let Jesus welcome her yet! There's a huge group hug going on in Heaven right now. And if you knew her and Bill, there's a lot of talking going on.

And lastly, Annie will always be remembered for her soft kind heart! She did more than her share on Earth.

She met Jesus many times, but He always sent her back. She suffered through poor health, but she was stubborn and tough.

We will miss Momma with all our hearts, but we are celebrating her healing and the big reunion.

The family would like to thank all who loved and took care of Momma.

If you want to see her again-John 3:16 is the way.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William Lee Smith; son, John Wayne Smith; brothers, John Ford, Jr., Wincell Ford, and two infant brothers; sisters, Pauline Dula and Della Bowman; a nephew, Douglas Dula; and a niece, Sharon Rowe.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children; Roger Smith, Christopher Smith (Amanda); and Patricia Smith; brother, Marvin Ford (Diana); grandchildren, Pamela Ford, Kali Smith, Kieran Smith, Jordan Winn (Landon), Cody Winn (Michaela), chase Townsend, Camryn Townsend, Dalton Ford, Jarrett Ford, and MaKayla Hingson; and great-grandchildren, Stetson Shows, Charlee Shows, Riggs Winn, and Sawyer Ford.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Walking by Faith Baptist Church in Morganton with Pastor Marvin Ford officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Interment will follow at Bolick Family Cemetery off Bolick Road in Lenoir.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Walking by Faith Baptist Church at 2984 Playmore Beach Rd, Morganton, NC 28655.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is assisting the family.