Lula Eller Smith

March 22, 1930 - May 9, 2019

Lula Eller Smith , age 89, of Banner Elk, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Life Care Center in Banner Elk, NC. She was born on March 22, 1930 in Avery County, North Carolina, the 12th out of 13 children of the late Eugene Eller and the late Julia Trivette Eller. Lula worked for Glen Raven Mills and retired from Cannon Memorial Hospital, where she served as the Laundry Supervisor. She was a longtime member of the Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church. Lula was a loving and kind woman who welcomed anyone, stranger, friend or family into her home. In the true fashion of a southern lady, no one ever left her home without either having or being offered a drink or eating a meal. She was the matriarch of both the Eller family and the Smith family. Lula’s family was very important to her and she loved everyone, with no exceptions. One of the highlights of her year was the annual Eller Family Reunion. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Husband, Frank Melvin Smith, Sr.; Six Sisters, Kate Brewer, Mary Smith, Grace Goodwin, Margaret Thompson, Rachel Garner, Betty Jo Puckett; Six Brothers, Cecil Eller, Gene Eller, Dean Eller, Pat Eller, Roland "Dutch" Eller, Carl Eller. Lula leaves behind to cherish her memory her Son, Frankie (Peggy) Smith, Jr. of Banner Elk, NC, Granddaughter, Wendy Smith of Banner Elk, NC, Grandson, Rusty (Dr. Mahmoud Saleh) Smith of Charlottesville, VA, Grandson, David (Marcie) Smith of Newland, NC, Great-Grandson, Carter Smith of Newland, NC, Great-Grandson, Kaden Smith of Newland, NC; Granddaughter, Lizzie McLaughlin of Charlotte. Funeral services for Lula Eller Smith will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Tee Gatewood officiating. Interment will follow in the Pappy Will Smith Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to their church families at Arbor Dale Presbyterian and Mount Calvary Baptist for the loving support and concern. To Janet Trammel and Carol Smith for being there with Lula during her final moments and to the staff of Life Care Center for the wonderful love and care they provided. Memorials in Lula’s memory may be made to Medi Home Hospice PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657. Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Smith family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net The care of Lula and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland. (828) 733-2121