Gastonia - Elizabeth "Doll" Ann Smith of Gastonia died peacefully in her home on Thursday, Oct. 28. She was 79 years old. Doll was born and raised in Gastonia and was the daughter of the late Allen Henry Smith and Lillian Lavender Smith. As mother to Donna, Susan and Lillie, she served as a Girl Scout leader and was a longtime member of the Junior League of Gaston County. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church and a talented Master Gardener. Doll enjoyed travel, and knitting, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her card buddies.
Doll is survived by her favorite (four-legged) daughter Muffin, daughters Donna Spurrier Johnson and husband Duffy, Susan Spurrier Chambers and husband Cliff, and Lillie Spurrier Riemann and husband Tom, and grandchildren Elizabeth McKinnon and husband Michael, Sarah Hardesty and husband Trey, and Matthew and Ben Riemann, and siblings Sandra Smith Soterakis and David Smith and wife Ada Ellen.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, at First United Methodist Church, 190 E. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, with the Rev. Tripp Hord officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church. Pugh Funeral Home is assisting the family. Remembrances may be made online at http://pughfuneralhome.com.
Doll, we're going to miss you! As I look at your profile picture I see your wonderful smile that you always had! Thanks for being a good friend throughout our short three years at AHS! We will miss you!
To the remainder of our AHS classmates from me and the other Reunion Committee members:
We have gone through an unprecedented Covid illness never before known by any of us. We have delayed our 60th class reunion planned for early 2020 four times already and are still not totally "out of the woods"! During this delay we have lost far too many classmates, with Doll being the latest.
Let's all commit to get the word out to other classmates that we need to join together again whenever we're able to commit to a definite date and be sure that we enjoy each others presence! I believe that Doll and the others who have passed away would say "I wish I could be with my classmates"! We had a relatively few classmates signing up this past September. We need to spread the word that the AHS Class of 1960 is going to have a wonderful meeting in 2022. As a member of the Committee, we'll assure you that we will do our best to make your attendance well worth your time!. Let's "Roll Greenwave, Roll"! in 2022!
I was so saddened to hear about Doll Smith! She was a friend from elementary school and beyond. We shared many mutual friends through school, scouting (Camp Rotary), and other social events! Doll was not only a classic dresser, pretty and very smart, she was lots of fun, kind and a caring friend! Even though I knew of her recent health issues, I did not know she was facing death. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to her daughters and other family members! Doll will always be remembered as one of my dearest friends from childhood!
Sending lots of love and my deepest heartfelt sympathy.
I thought she was so beautiful-----then discovered that she was kind and generous.....she was wondering me. Too young to leave us ...send condolences to comfort her family ...t
Dan Rockett
I can still visualize Doll and other Classmates in Sweetlands' Drug Store munching on French Fries and plying conversion that was to be memorable.
Little do we realize how much subtle experiences directly influence our lives.
To be able to say you made a difference by your experiences or even presence is so meaningful.
Doll can be seen in the history of most of classmates' memory..
"Roses from the South" is a favorite of mine and I share to memories of Doll Smith
https://youtu.be/jZC-Gu38IXw
Betti Smith (Krapfl)
Doll was always unique! She and I were in homeroom together all through Ashley. She was so vibrant!
So sorry to hear of her death. Rest in peace, lady.
George Rawlings
So very sorry to hear of Doll's passing. She was a great classmate and very active. She certainly will be missed.
Dave (D D) Robbins
Doll was one of the nicest and kindest people I have ever known. She will always be remembered and greatly missed! Sending prayers for her family.
Jim Mauney
Doll, we're going to miss you! As I look at your profile picture I see your wonderful smile that you always had! Thanks for being a good friend throughout our short three years at AHS! We will miss you!
To the remainder of our AHS classmates from me and the other Reunion Committee members:
We have gone through an unprecedented Covid illness never before known by any of us. We have delayed our 60th class reunion planned for early 2020 four times already and are still not totally "out of the woods"! During this delay we have lost far too many classmates, with Doll being the latest.
Let's all commit to get the word out to other classmates that we need to join together again whenever we're able to commit to a definite date and be sure that we enjoy each others presence! I believe that Doll and the others who have passed away would say "I wish I could be with my classmates"! We had a relatively few classmates signing up this past September. We need to spread the word that the AHS Class of 1960 is going to have a wonderful meeting in 2022. As a member of the Committee, we'll assure you that we will do our best to make your attendance well worth your time!. Let's "Roll Greenwave, Roll"! in 2022!
Jim Mauney, AHS Class of 1960.
Jenny Lynn Schneider (Bern)
Doll was smart and pretty..Always nice to me and we stayed in touch through the years on facebook. RIP.
Mary Loughridge (Sessoms)
I was so saddened to hear about Doll Smith! She was a friend from elementary school and beyond. We shared many mutual friends through school, scouting (Camp Rotary), and other social events! Doll was not only a classic dresser, pretty and very smart, she was lots of fun, kind and a caring friend! Even though I knew of her recent health issues, I did not know she was facing death. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to her daughters and other family members! Doll will always be remembered as one of my dearest friends from childhood!
Sending lots of love and my deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Much love, Mary Loughridge Sessoms
Gayle Gordon (Petrey)
So saddened to lose another classmate, especially Doll Smith. A classy lady.
Adrienne Cleere (Moor)
I thought she was so beautiful-----then discovered that she was kind and generous.....she was wondering me. Too young to leave us ...send condolences to comfort her family ...t