Mary Cochran Smitherman

June 28, 1925 - October 23, 2018
Mary Cochran Smitherman

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Mary Lydia Cochran Smitherman, 93, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Sunnybrook Assisted Living.

Born in Star, NC, she was a daughter of the late John Leach and Eula King Cochran. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Samuel J. Smitherman III; daughter, Joan Shea; grandson, Patrick Shea; brothers, Dr. John Cochran, Jr. and Edward Cochran; and sister Jane Cochran Fox.

Mary Lydia attended Greensboro College for Women for studies in business and administration. Her most important occupation was maintaining a home and raising two children. Before moving to Hendersonville in 2011, she had lived in Fayetteville for many years and was a member of Haymount United Methodist Church of Fayetteville where she was actively involved in the Haymount Circle #7. Mary enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Mary is survived by her son, Samuel J. Smitherman IV and wife, Mary Hollinshed Smitherman of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Bret Osborne; Shawn Tew and wife, Lindsey; Christopher Tew; and Samuel Smitherman V; great-granddaughter, Ava Tew; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to express tremendous gratitude to Sunnybrook Assisted Living, and its staff, for providing Mary Lydia with many years of loving care.

A private graveside service will be held at Southside Cemetery in Troy, NC, Saturday, November 3rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Haymount United Methodist Church, 1700 Fort Bragg Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28303, or to Four Seasons Foundation, 221 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792 (www.fourseasonsCFLFoundation.org)


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  • October 27, 2018
    Clay and Wynelle Thompson says:
    Sam, Mary and little Sam, Clay and I offer our condolences at the loss of your mom, mother-in-law and grandmother. From her photo we can see she was a beautiful lady. If there is anything we can do to help as you prepare for her service, please let us know.

  • October 27, 2018
    Susan Adcox says:
    Prayers for all the family of Ms. Mary. I remember her beautiful smile when she came in our local Fayetteville branch of State Employees’ Creeit Union. A beautiful, kind lady, always so gracious. I remember when Mr. Sam came in and he was so proud to introduce Ms. Mary to us. My life was enriched by her sweet kindness. God give you peace, strength and blessings through her precious memories.

  • October 27, 2018
    Lanette E says:
    To the Family You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. May God provide you with comfort during this grievous time. Be assured that one day soon God will do away with death forever. 1 Corinthians 15:26.

  • October 29, 2018
    gc says:
    My sincere condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort give you the comfort you need to endure this difficult time and the days ahead (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

  • October 29, 2018
    Wanda Siewers lit a candle:
    Lit since October 29, 2018 at 10:18:40 PM