Thursday, June 22, 2017 8:09 am

Margaret "Muriel" Huffstickler Smith, also known as "Mammy", age 86 of Forest City passed away June 13, 2017.

Muriel was born May 30, 1931 in Spindale and was a daughter of the late Columbus Ivey "Major" Huffstickler and Lela Owens Huffstickler. She was a graduate of R.S. Central High School Class of 1951 and received the Stonecutter Scholarship to attend Mars Hill College where she graduated in 1954 as well as being a former Miss Spindale in the early 1950s. She was an educator for the Rutherford County Schools for over 27 years. Muriel also ran a concession stand for the Town of Forest City for many years. She enjoyed family, traveling, quilting, and camping. Muriel was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and wonderful Mammy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Smith, a brother, E. J. Huffstickler, and two sisters, Lavada Lovelace and Louise Lawson.

She is survived by her sons, Tim Smith and Jeff Smith both of Spindale, Ivey Smith of Rutherfordton, and daughter, Gena Smith Daves of Sunshine, a sister, Ellamae Huffstickler Lawson of Charlotte, sister in law, Sandra Smith Bumgardner and husband Wayne of Rutherfordton, Coleen Smith of Spartanburg. There are four grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. There are also a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, her caregiver, Mirinda Jackson, as well as many "bonus" children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she claimed as her own.

A graveside memorial service was held at Rock Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Greg Huntley officiating.

Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 111 Polk County Line Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.