Canses Moretz Smith

September 13, 2018

CHARLOTTE – Canses Moretz Smith, 87, died on September 13, 2018 at her residence at Aldersgate in Charlotte following a short illness.  Canses was born on December 30, 1930 in Boone, NC to the late Lloyd Milton Moretz and Etta Ophilia Norris Moretz. 

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of sixty years, Fred Emerson Smith, who died on December 5, 2016.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by an infant daughter, Mary Hope Smith and by her siblings Milton, Auburn, Delma, Carey, Alton and J.B. 

Canses is survived by a daughter, Lauren Smith McCullough and her husband, Joe; three grandchildren, Kathryn McCullough, Daniel McCullough and his wife, Sara, and Robert McCullough; great grandson, Harrison McCullough; and sisters Flavel, Frieda, Treva and Barbara.

Canses attended Watauga County schools graduating from Watauga High School in 1948.  She then worked as an operator/supervisor for Southern Bell in Boone, Spruce Pine, and Charlotte.  Later Canses served as an assistant in the Upper School library at Providence Day School for 18 years before her retirement in 1999.

Canses was a long-time member of Providence United Methodist Church and formerly of First United Methodist Church.  She thoroughly enjoyed her countless hours of volunteer work in numerous capacities at both churches and truly valued the lifelong friends she made along the way.  In 2011 Canses and Fred were honored as Lifetime Members of the Providence UMC Church Council for their leadership and service to the church. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Providence United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Randy Harry and the Reverend Dr. William T. Jeffries officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Atrium.  Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Aldersgate Assistance Fund, 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215 or to Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC  28211 or to the charity of donor’s choice.

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

 

 

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Karen Kirkpatrick

    Lauren, I've been thinking of you and the fun times I had with your family when we were growing up. I'm smiling even now as I remember nearly passing out at the top of some tall building in Charlotte after your parents had treated us to lunch -- and your mother pulling smelling salts out of her purse to revive me! Who keeps smelling salts in their purse? She introduced me to two foods I'd never had before -- hominy and apple pie with cheddar cheese. While the cheddar cheese hasn't replaced ice cream as my favorite apple pie additive, I do enjoy it. I loved spending time with you and your parents, and am so sorry for your loss. Love, Karen

    Short URL:
  • Debra Wilhoit

    Lauren, I worked with your mom for many years as the Lower School Librarian at PDS. Your mother taught me so much about the technical aspects of librarianship. One of my favorite things about Canses was the words I heard frequently from her. She would ask me for a decision about the way to do some technical listing for a book in the LS collection. I would give her my answer, and she would say, "Now, Mrs.Wilhoit, let's think about this for a minute." This translated to, "I don't agree with this decision, and we need to talk about this!" We would talk and sometimes I convinced her my way was better. Sometimes.... Your mother was so proud of you and Joe and especially your children. We talked about them often. After she retired, she kept me in the loop about what the children were doing, how school was going, etc. She was so proud of them! We always sat together at the yearly PDS dinner, so we could talk and catch up. I always teased your dad about his golf games and tried to get Canses to play golf with him! After her retirement, Our phone conversations were always a highlight for me. She would call to say she had a question about this or that, and she needed "her librarian" to find the answer. It was always such an honor to be called "her librarian." There was no one like your mother. She was a joy once you got to know her, and she always challenged me to learn more about the technical side of librarianship and life itself. I was a better librarian because of Canses. And I hope her life lessons have made me a better person, too.

    Short URL:
  • Sue Nealy

    Canses was very dear to me. Fred and Canses and I shared many enjoyable times together. She will be missed more than I can say. She and Fred will remain in my heart forever. Love you, Canses

    Short URL: