 Kate Lee Eaker Smith, age 99, formerly of Baxter Road, passed away Friday, November 24, 2017 at Carolina Care Health & Rehabilitation. She was born September 19, 1918 in Gaston County to the late Clarence Slyvanus and Dovie Elizabeth Craft Eaker. Kate graduated from Cherryville High School in 1938 and then attended East Carolina where she played basketball. She was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. Kate held almost every position available at Bethlehem and was most proud of her work as treasurer and financial secretary. She had retired from Belk Matthews in Cherryville with 38 years of service. Kate enjoyed traveling, gardening, canning, and loved animals. She was a talented crafter and enjoyed crochet and needlepoint. Kate will always be remembered for making the best Coca Cola Cake ever. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at Carolina Care and loved to take part in their activities. She was best known as dressing as the Cat at Halloween. Kate had just celebrated her 99th birthday in September and she had a great love for life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Ralph Smith; and siblings, Ernest Eaker, Mazelle Baird, Roy Eaker, and Carl Eaker.
Survivors include her nieces and nephews whom she considered her children, Carolyn Borden, Bruce Eaker, Robert Eaker, Jon Eaker, Chip Eaker, David Eaker, Seburn Crocker, Dean Crocker, Gail Canipe, Lois Armstrong, Patsy Rountree, David Smith, Rita Beam, Gary Smith, Mickey Smith, Phillip Smith, and Steven Smith; and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with Rev. Randi Godfrey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10:00 to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the fellowship hall.
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, C/O Doris Wilson 147 Latham-Wilson Rd. Lawndale, NC 28090.
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