Mary B. Smith

Mary Black Covington Smith, 91, died Saturday October 8, 2011, at her home. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Central United Methodist Church with interment at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 10, 2011 at Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro, and all other times at her residence at 131 Ridgecrest Road. Born November 21, 1919, in Ramseur, North Carolina, Mary was a daughter of the late Joseph Edward and Annie Black Covington. She was married to the late Charles Reitzel Smith, who died in 1996. She was an active member of Central United Methodist Church, where she was a former member of the choir, United Methodist Women, the Altar Guild, Good Times Club and the Friendly Sunday School Class. Mary was a charter member of the Red Cross Gray Ladies at Randolph Hospital, a former member of Little Gate Garden Club and the Randolph County Home Extension Club. Affectionately called "Mary B." by friends and family, she was widely known for her generosity and care for others, her warm hospitality, exceptional culinary skills and a keen sense of humor. Her greatest pride and joy was her family to whom she gave so generously and unconditionally. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by sisters Ruth Covington Burke, Maxine Burkhead, Ellen Steere, and brothers Banks and John A. Covington. She is survived by daughters: Marylin Fowler and husband Les of Asheboro, Emmeline Severance of Lexington; son: Charles Randolph Smith of Asheboro; grandchildren: Laura Fowler Horton, Chris Fowler, Lisa Nowlin, Julie Alston and Jason Smith; great grandchildren: Jonah Horton, Will Fowler, Luke Fowler, Sean Nowlin, Emma Nowlin and Sydney Alston; and special granddog, Honey. Additionally, she is survived by her beloved sister Doris Covington of Greensboro, a niece, several nephews, as well as great nieces and great nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 300 South Main Stret, Asheboro, NC 27203; the Mary and C. Reitzel Smith Scholarship, c/o Randolph Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 1009, Asheboro, NC 27204; or Hospice of Randolph County, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204.