Ms. Earlene Smith Baxter, 80, of Shelby, NC passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Atrium Health- Cleveland in Shelby. She was born on April 2, 1940 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Hezekiah Smith and Phebbie Lockhart Smith.

Mrs. Baxter graduated from Camp High School, Shelby, NC, after which she worked for the PNG Chair Company in Hickory, NC for 15 years. She was a home-maker for 25 years, and went on to work in Child Nutrition Services for Shelby City Schools for 15 years, where she retired. Mrs. Baxter was a caring and loving woman of God who not only cared for her own children, but opened up her heart and home to others. She was a foster parent from 1987 - 2004 where she had the privilege of caring for 32 children.

Mrs. Baxter was a long-time, committed and dedicated member of Fairview AME Zion Church where she served in the Missionary Society. She also served as the President of the Christian Education Department, the Goode Choir, the Mass Choir and the Senior Choir, and she served as the Vice President of the Spiritual Choir. Additionally, she sang on the Hymn choir, was a class leader.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Ernest Lee Baxter, who affectionately called her "Bae-Bae"; one son, Thomas Lamar Smith of Shelby, NC; her brothers, Ulysses Smith of Shelby, NC, Odis C. Smith of Asheville, NC, Hezekiah Smith, Jr. of Blacksburg, SC, John Lee Smith, Shelby, NC, and R. L. Smith of Lincolnton, NC; sisters, Lowren Smith, Rose Lee Smith Woods, Pansy Lee Smith and Lucile Smith, all of Shelby, NC.

She leaves to cherish her memory, seven children, Cindy Smith of Shelby, NC, Jo Marie Smithof Shelby, NC, Rev. Gary W. Smith (Rev. Patty)of Shelby, NC, Zilla Parks (Ricky)of Shelby, NC, Ernest Baxter (Angela)of Rock Hill, SC, Pansy Davidson (Eddie) of Shelby, NC, and Adrienne Boykins (Ervin)of Shelby, NC. She is also survived by one brother, Bobby Joe Smith (Mary) of Lincolnton, NC, and one sister Shelby, NC; a God-sister, Ms. Flonnie Davis of Edgemoore, SC; 3 special children reared in the home, Kim Jefferies, Brenda Petty and Crystal Wilson; 17 grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The service for Ms. Baxter will be private. A reception of friends will be held on Friday, July 17, 2020, at Shiloh Baptist Church from 2:30 PM until 3:00 PM. She will be placed in the church at 12:30 PM to begin viewing. Burial will take place at Fairview A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook starting at 2:15 PM. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements