Shirley Bryson Smith

Shirley Bryson Smith, 86, of Cullowhee, passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2023. She was the daughter of Samuel Franklin Bryson and Susie Hooper Bryson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Bryson and Grace Galloway, and two brothers, Clyde Bryson and Earl Bryson.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harold Dean Smith; three children, Janice (Fred) Harris, Greg Smith, and Scotty Smith; three grandchildren, Dean Smith, Angie (Mike) Austin, and Pam (David) Shuler; three great grandchildren, Clay (India) Austin, Yasi (John) Gosnell, and Mia Austin; two great great grandchildren, Rhett and Mac Gosnell; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A native of Glenville, NC, she left home at an early age to find work and eventually marry. Her husband was in the United States Air Force and therefore lived in many different places including Salina, KS, Aurora, CO, Warner Robins, GA, Caribou, ME, and eventually Cullowhee. She retired from Western Carolina University as Assistant Registrar. She always held a job and was able to do this with the help of her loving mother who traveled with them.

She was a member of Cullowhee Baptist Church. She loved reading, crocheting, and playing golf. She was a diehard Atlanta Braves and North Carolina Tarheel fan.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 7, 2023 at Cullowhee Baptist Church with the Reverends Jeff Vickery and Tonya Vickery officiating. Burial will follow in the Robert Rogers Cemetery in Cullowhee. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Monday, August 7, 2023 at Cullowhee Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Four Seasons Hospice, and the many caregivers who attended to her over the past few years. A special thanks to Marie Conner, Connie Franks, and Gina Goembel for their loving care.

Appalachian Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements.