Betty Dolores "Snookie" Smith Hamrick went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2022.

A native of Cleveland County, she was born September 2, 1927. She was the youngest and last surviving child of Sam Smith and Annie Belle Runyans Smith. In addition to her parents, Dolores is preceded in death by her husband, John Berry Hamrick, Sr.; one brother, Clarence Smith; and three sisters, Marie Collins, Margaret Spencer, and Jeanette Lowery.

Although she would answer to many names, she was best known by a nickname she picked up as a child: Snookie. She graduated from Shelby High School in 1944. She married John Berry Hamrick, Sr. in December 1948. She worked at PPG Industries in the accounting department from 1963-1965. Over the years, she was self-employed selling cookbooks, jewelry, make-up and silk flower arrangements. Her other involvements included president of the Cleveland County Farm Bureau of Women and helping set up the Cleveland County Historical Museum that was in the old courthouse in center of Shelby.

Snookie was well known for her cooking. Even though her mother worked in a Shelby school cafeteria, she did not learn to cook until after she was married. Snookie said: "I married a country boy and moved out to the dirt roads with no telephone. I could not drive or call and ask a question about cooking. I learned to cook out of desperation."

In 1979, "Snookie" and her close friend Vickie Wyatt decided to compile a cookbook from the exceptional cooks in the Crest area. They mailed letters to residents asking for choice recipes. The response was tremendous, and their cookbook with over 400 recipes was called "Crest Community Cooks." The books were sold only through word of mouth. The first printing pre-sold in two days; the second in two weeks and by the end of the fourth printing they had sold 2,900 cookbooks.

In 1988, Snookie compiled a 3rd cookbook entitled "Laid Back Country Cooking" which was also very successful and had several printings.

Snookie joined Poplar Springs Baptist Church after marrying John Berry. She was an active member for over 60 years. She proudly sang soprano in the church choir and played handbells. She served as choir director, WMU member and leader and Sunday School teacher. As a historian, she wrote a book about church history.

Snookie enjoyed a long and fruitful life and she died peacefully at home following a long battle with vascular dementia. The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers who have provided excellent care and allowed her to remain at home during her illness.

She is survived by her son, John Berry Hamrick, Jr. and wife Martha; her daughter, Tracye Morgan and husband Donnie; four grandchildren, Timothy Hamrick and wife Becky, Karen Lovelace, Andi Morgan, and Kati Morgan; one great granddaughter, Natalie Lovelace; and a special friend Benny Sellers.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be offered to Poplar Springs Baptist Church, 1106 Poplar Springs Church Rd, Shelby, NC 28152.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 6 o'clock in the evening, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, the family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Words of encouragement will be offered by Dr. Jim Richardson for those in attendance.

Online condolences may be written at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hamrick family.