Effie Saunders Smith

Effie Saunders Smith, 77, of Britthaven of Morganton, NC died Monday, December 18, 2006 at the nursing home following a period of declining health. She was born March 31, 1929 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late James Russell Saunders and Ethel Clark Saunders. In addition to her parents, Effie was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph McKitrick; her second husband, Jack P. Smith; daughters, Evelyn Sue Whitaker and Sandra McKitrick; and a brother, Earl Douglas Saunders. She was a member of Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Effie was a wonderful cook and enjoyed gardening.

Effie is survived by a daughter, Lisa McKitrick and husband, Chris, of Seattle, WA; step-children, Dan Smith and wife, Ava, Tommy Smith, Nelson Smith, Greta Newton and husband, Ken, and Beverly Smith, all of Morganton; brothers, Bruce Saunders, Donald Saunders and wife, Brenda, and James Saunders and wife, Shirley, all of Morganton; sisters, Azalee Fleming, Helen Hallyburton and husband, James, and Linda Saunders, all of Morganton, and Viola Harris of Merkel, TX; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 21, 2006 at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Alan Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 pm Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 5358 Denton’s Chapel Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or to Burke Hospice and Pallative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to Alzheimer’s Association, Western North Carolina Chapter, 31 College Place, Suite D-320, Asheville, NC 28801. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.