Kay Frances (Martin) Smith

MRS. KAY FRANCES MARTIN SMITH 69 of MT. GILEAD, NC, passed away Monday evening, May 30, 2022.

Graveside service will be held Monday, June 6, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at McAuley Memorial Gardens, 1177 Thomasville Church Road, Mt. Gilead, NC.

Public viewing will be held Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home and Cremations 2529 NC Hwy 109 S. Mt. Gilead, NC.. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic still in effect, we ask that you wear a face mask or a face covering before entering and exiting the funeral home to protect our families, our staff and community.  We also ask that you use the Hand Sanitizing Station upon entering and exiting the funeral home.  Thank you so much for your attention to this.

Today, we celebrate the life of Kay Frances Martin Smith , who was born on Thursday, May 28, 1953, in Montgomery County, NC, to the late William Lee "Bo Martin and Catherine Jane Thomas Martin.  Kay transitioned from her earthly life to her eternal home on Monday, May 30, 2022.

Her education began in the Montgomery County Schools where she was very well known for playing basketball.  She was a former employee of Russell-Harvell Hosiery Mill and McRae Shoe Factory, both in Mt. Gilead until she retired.  A desire to help others, Kay's compassion led her into  becoming a personal care aide until her health declined.

Kay accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church and later joined McAuley Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church.  She served both churches as a proud "Door Keeper" (Usher) for many years.  She considered herself as the "Community Usher". Whenever she was needed, the doors would be guarded  to ensure order and security of services. "​Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Psalm 84.10)

She was a former member of the Order of The Eastern Stars #30 of the Exway Community, Mt. Gilead, NC. Kay was united in marriage to Albert "Jake" Smith on August 8, 1987.  Thirty-four years of love, memories and ushering together side by side.

In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by five brothers; Jimmy, Curtis, Jerry, Rickey and William Lee "Po Boy"; a nephew, Jimmy Lee Martina and a niece, Pearlie Ann Martin.

Those left to cherish loving and profound memories are her devoted husband, Albert "Jake" Smith of the home; daughter, Frances Kay Green (Dan) of Mt. Gilead, NC; her brothers and sisters, George Martin, Vancie Martin, Vivian Martin, Charles Thomas and Brenda Graham, all of Mt. Gilead, NC, Bernice Martin of Charlotte, NC, Mary Martin (Gary ) of Rockingham, NC and Robert Martin (Sherry) of Fayetteville, NC; one aunt, Martha Watkins of Mt. Gilead, NC; three grandchildren, Anthony Green (Maegan) of Norwood, NC, Antwan Green (Tiffany) of Albemarle, NC and Dannisha Green of Fayetteville, NC; 4 great-grandchildren, Neavah Green, Serenity Green, JD Green and Londyn Green; sisters/brothers-in-law, Rosa Lee Chapel, Sylvia Martin, Ella Sellers, Onza Colson, Henry Smith and Marshall Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Harris Funeral Home and Cremations of Mt. Gilead, is serving the Smith, Green, Martin and extended families.