Opal Smith

Opal Geraldine Dick Smith, age 84, passed away Tuesday March 09, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in Albemarle, four days after the death of her devoted husband and life partner, "D.J." Smith. Geraldine was born on February 14, 1926, to the late Allen D. Dick and the late Lela Jane Smith Dick who encouraged her to develop her musical gifts by playing piano for the church. D.J. stated that in order to court Geraldine he needed a prayer book under one arm and a songbook under the other. Geraldine was born on Valentine's Day in 1926 and married on Love Street in 1946 allowing D.J. to refer to her as “his love from love street.” D.J. and Geraldine were members of West Albemarle Baptist Church. They are survived by their two sons Don Smith and wife Linda of Myrtle Beach, SC and Kent Smith and wife Dotti of Asheville; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Geraldine is also preceded in death by her grandson, Nathan Edward Smith; and sister, Carol Mauldin. The family will receive friends Thursday, March 11 from 6 to 8 at Hartsell Funeral Home, Albemarle. Funeral service will be Friday, March 12 at 11 AM in Hartsell Funeral Home’s Lefler Memorial Chapel with Rev. Adam Hatley officiating. Burial will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com