Thursday, August 2, 2018 8:17 am

Mary Claire Pouyadou Smith, age 79 of Rutherfordton, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018.

Mary was born September 3, 1938 in New Orleans, Louisiana and was a daughter of the late Bertha Mae Bell Pouyadou. She worked for many years as a legal secretary and was a devout Catholic and a congregant of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Mary also enjoyed working as a volunteer in the surgical waiting room at Rutherford Hospital.

Mary was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence Edward Smith, Sr. in 2006, her son, Clarence Edward Smith, Jr., sister-in-law, Geraldine Pouyadou, and brother-in-law, John Gradijan.

Survivors include her daughter, Dianna Pendleton and husband Robin of Rutherfordton, two brothers, Edward Pouyadou and wife Cindy, Allen Pouyadou, a sister, Margaret Ann Christiansen, daughter-in-law, Marina Poche` as well as four grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church celebrated by Father Herbert Burke and Deacon Andy Cilone. Interment followed in the Spindale City Cemetery.

The family request that memorials be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1024 West Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043 or Hospice of The Carolina Foothills, Post Office Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.