Mary Cochran Smitherman

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)