Florence Bartleson Smart

March 11, 2021

Florence Bartleson Smart, the daughter of the late Margaret Hawk Bartleson and Mark David Bartleson, passed away peacefully at home in Charlotte on March 11, 2021. She was 96 years old.

Flo was born on Oct. 31, 1924 in Jacksonville, Fla where she spent her early years. She graduated from what was then called Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University) “before it had a football team” as she was fond of saying and was active in the Chi Omega sorority.

Following graduation, she worked for Southern Bell and Eastern Airlines in Jacksonville and in 1950 married the everlasting love of her life, Roy Louis Smart, Jr. After work transfers to Charlotte, Atlanta and the New York City area they “resettled” in Charlotte in 1961 where they raised their five children.

Flo was distinguished by her grace, beauty and dignity. She was devoted to her husband and children, had a quick laugh, a sharp wit and a persevering spirit. Revered as the loving matriarch of a large brood, she dedicated herself to keeping up with all the various activities of her family and was delighted to welcome her newest great-grandchild just before her passing. She was much cherished by her family and the legacy of her love will be longstanding.

Flo was known for her graciousness. Throughout her long life she cultivated rich friendships and felt especially blessed to have enjoyed her steadfast friends into her later years.

She was predeceased by her husband in 2008 and by her brother, Mark David Bartleson, Jr. in 1973.

Left to honor her memory are two daughters Margaret Mason Smart Martin of Jacksonville, Fla and Florence Smart George of New Port Richey, Fla; three sons, Roy Louis Smart, III (Mary Davis) of Charlotte, David Bartleson Smart (Caroline) of Raleigh, and Lee Warren Smart (Libby) of Charlotte; sixteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be graveside for family only. 

Memorial gifts can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (www.secondharvestmetrolina.org), 500 Spratt St B, Charlotte, NC 28206 or the charity of your choice and remember to call your mother.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Carla Vitez

    I recall that Mrs. Smart attended my wedding. Her granddaughter, Amelia, was my flower girl and her daughter, Mason, has always been a great friend and source of inspiration. My father remarked that Flo was one of the most handsome women he ever had the pleasure to meet. So true, especially when accompanied by her dignity, poise, and manners. I share her birthplace of Jacksonville, FLA and wonder if she too was born at St. Vincent's hospital - "on the banks of the great St. John's". I love Smart clan's creativity and devotion to family and have I have privileged to meet a few members. Larry and I extend our deepest sympathy to all the family. Carla

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  • Cindy Grier

    Flo was one of the kindest souls I've ever met, with a welcoming smile and eyes that sparkled. I wish the family much peace and hope sweet memories of her will soon replace the sadness.

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  • Rick Hutchins

    Lee and David and Skipper and all the family, thinking of all of you this day. I am so saddened to hear this news. What a majestic lady she was.

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  • Leigh and Lynn

    What a great legacy you have left us - a beautiful bright loving family that we appreciate and feel close to. You remain in all our hearts. Love lives forever.

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