Rita Smith Agnell, age 73, of Rutherfordton

Rita Smith Agnell, age 73, of Rutherfordton, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Rita was born April 20, 1952 in Rutherford County to the late Ted Smith and Inez Petty Smith.

She was a dedicated homemaker whose passion was to be a caretaker for those in need. Rita was a member of Broad River Baptist Church and also attended Calvary Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Vance William Tate; her twin sister, Leda Faye Smith; and other siblings, John Henry Smith, Shirley Moore and Jean Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory include a daughter, April Tate McClain (Shane); grandchildren, Gage Turner and Haley Turner (Treble); step-grandchildren, Nicole McClain and Paul McClain (Shanna); great-grandchildren, Oliver, Kason, Adrian, Gemma, Elliott; step great-grandchildren, Jayden, Gavin, Janiyah, Justin, Jaren, Hunter, Tripp, Stryker; siblings, Marie Ingle, Jo Hatfield (Art), Barbara Thompson, Libby Parton (David), Vickie Crosswhite (George), Willie Smith, and Ken Smith (Ann).

The funeral was held May 19 at Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Preacher Randy Shields officiating.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.