Edna Smith

Mary “Edna” Rhew Smith, age 93 of Suncrest Rd., passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, at Carolina Care Health and Rehabilitation. She was born August 1, 1932, in Buncombe County to the late Charlie Lemar Rhew and the late Mirene Huntly Rhew Styles.

Edna was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and was always quick to give praise to His name. For nearly five decades, she was the steady heart behind the scenes at the funeral home, faithfully serving her community as the office manager, grief support leader, hairdresser, cosmetologist, and many other roles at Carpenter’s Funeral Home. She worked alongside Cone Sr., Carroll, Cone Jr., John, and many others until her retirement after 47 years. Edna enjoyed serving others in all aspects of her life even to the point of assisting people when they needed a ride to the doctor or hair appointments. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She truly cherished the family that God had given her and was honored to care for them and love them with a Godly love. It was clear to all who met Edna, that God had placed her where she was meant to be in her profession and in her family. She was truly a blessing to all who met her. She was the perfect blend between gentle and nurturing as well as full of personality and larger than life. She could always make you feel at peace and more often than not, she would have you laughing at the end of a conversation. As Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A joyful heart is good medicine,” and hers brought comfort, healing, and joy to countless lives.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Ray Smith, Sr.; brothers, Bill and Jim Rhew; and granddaughter, Nicole Short.

Survivors include her children, Kenny Smith, Jr. (Carolyn) of Bessemer City, and Kathy Short (Ken) of Crouse; grandchildren, Heath Smith (Jessica) of Crouse, with great-grandchildren, Addisyn and Hunter; and K.W. Short of Crouse, with great-grandson, Tripp Short; and her sister, Gladys Dyer.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Second Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Matt Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at City Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM, in the Fellowship Hall, prior to the service at the church.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com