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Josephine Louise McLester Smith, 96, of Mooresville, NC, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones, July 10, 2025. Mrs. Smith was born February 12, 1929, in Cabarrus County to Jappie "Jake" Lonzo McLester and Mary Elizabeth Faggart McLester who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of nearly sixty-five years, Rev. E.A. "Dick" Smith and her son, David Phillip Smith, her brother Aubrey Lonzo McLester (Edith) of Concord, sister Annie Belle Stone (Rayvon) of St. Paul's, and sister, Mary Alice McLester (Homer) also of Concord. She graduated from Mt Pleasant High School (Class of 1947). She and her husband married in 1949 and in 1955 founded Calvary Foursquare Church, Concord. Following their thirteen years of service there, they pastored Community Foursquare Church, now Abundant Life, Mooresville. Afterwards, Mrs. Smith and her husband served in the Children's Ministry of First Foursquare Church, Concord. Mrs. Smith retired from Burlington Industries in 1994. She enjoyed canning, sewing, babysitting her grandchildren, baking pound cakes for friends, family, and various fundraisers for causes dear to her heart. Mrs. Smith avidly read her Bible daily; often regarded as a "Prayer Warrior" by family and friends devoting her life to prayer and humble service to her loved ones, friends, community and to her Savior. Her kindness was renowned as was her gentle spirit. Surviving Mrs. Smith are her son, Steven Paul Smith of Atlanta, GA; her daughter, Pamela Smith (Earl) Killian of Mooresville; her grandsons, Henry Killian, Joseph (Jenny) Killian, and Clifford Killian of Mooresville. The delight of her later years were her great-grandsons, Jackson, Hendrick, Collin, and Conner! Her nieces and nephews brought her such joy with birthday and Christmas cards as well as phone calls and visits. The "Cousins Gatherings" were always happy events with great food and laughter and memories of times past. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 14 from 9:30-11:00 AM with a service following at 11:00 AM at the chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Miami Baptist Church Cemetery in Concord, NC. The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care shown to our mother during this time by the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice staff and volunteers of Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the following: Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County (2347 Simonton Rd, Statesville, NC 28625 https://www.hoic.org/), Abundant Life Foursquare Church (123 Foursquare Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115 https://www.al.church/) Calvary/New Vision Foursquare Church (PO Box 849, Paw Creek, NC 28130) or to the charity of one's choice. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Smith family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Josephine McLester Smith

February 12, 1929 - July 10, 2025