April 27, 2024, 80, La Grange —
Ann Duncan Smith passed away at her home on Saturday, April 27, 2024. She is now breathing easily and free from pain and the sorrow of loss. Ann was born on May 7, 1943, in Handley, Texas to the late Thomas and Muriel Duncan. She was married to the late Charles R. (Bob) Smith.
Ann was fiercely independent and strong-willed, with a heart filled full of compassion and care for others. As a mama, she loved her children with all she had (and her traits may have been passed on strongly to all 3 of her children). Losing her two sons recently was a heavy weight she never expected to carry. She realized just how much she was loved as she was surrounded and supported by her family during this past year.
By trade, Ann was a retired Registered Nurse. She worked at Wayne Memorial Hospital as a Labor and Delivery Nurse and served on the Seven Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad for many years. She was a faithful part of the FLOK (For the Love Of Kids) and Threads of Love ministries at Garris Chapel Church. While Ann served in all of these capacities, this was her way of loving others. It was her gift. She had a way of taking care of others for as long as she possibly could. When her health declined, she sought new ways to care for others. The skills she learned growing up, like sewing, helped her to share with others later in life.
Ann was a wonderful mother but loved being a grandmother even more. From picking strawberries and grapes to playing board games, Grandma/Nanny was always eager to spend time with them. Her passion for Christmas really lit up in her multiple and fun Christmas trees.
The last few years have been extra challenging for Ann. As a woman who does things on her own, having to lean on others was never easy. She was not always able to serve others as her heart longed for. She loved her church, Garris Chapel, even though she was not able to physically attend. Her support of her church family was always a part of her. While her independent spirit never wavered, neither did her love and compassion. To know Ann was to love Ann.
A Service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held at Garris Chapel Church on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 6:00 pm. A time of visitation will take place following the service at the church.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Kaye Smith of Cape Carteret; her daughter-in-law, Donna Smith of La Grange; sister, Tommie Monroe of Hurst TX; sister-in-law, Linda Duncan, Palo Pinto TX; grandchildren, Dylan Smith, Wesley Smith, Callie Davis, Elliott Davis, Addison Smith; great-grandchildren: Carly Billingsley, Audrey Billingsley, Bentley Billingsley, Reid Smith; and a special, dear friend, Pat Mitchell.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Ann was preceded in death by her sons, Bob Ivey Smith and Charles T (Tom) Smith; brother, Jamie Duncan; and sisters, Mary Jo Turner and Charline Keisel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Garris Chapel Church Threads of Love Ministry and/or the FLOK Ministry, 823 Piney Grove Church Road, La Grange, NC 28551.
Online condolences can be made at www.rousefh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, NC.
