Mary Lou Smith

Mary Lou Helton Smith, 94 passed away Peacefully Saturday February 21 2026 at her son’s home in Flat Rock NC, where she has resided for the last two years.

Mrs Smith was born in Asheville NC, to the late Huey Inman Helton and Catherine Isabelle Daniel’s Helton October 24, 1931. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her late husband Albert J Smith and sons Larry J Smith, Stanley D Smith, and brothers and sister.

Surviving are her children Randy Smith of Flat Rock and spouse Grady Cooper; daughter Sandra Edgley of Asheville (her spouse, Sam Edgley), as well as many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Marylou was a member of Bethel Baptist church in Asheville NC and well known and loved in the community. She was a bookkeeper for her Dad’s business and retired from the Buncombe County Courthouse. Mom loved Bluegrass music and occasionally played with her loving spouse Albert, and the band The Happy Valley Boys. She and Aunt Kathleen never missed their annual bluegrass festival camping trips for 25 + years. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling and especially loved her trips to California, visiting national parks, the Bay Area, Vegas and the Redwoods.

Everyone that knew Mom, knew that she loved to Laugh, and joke around. Many friends called her Mom. She will truly be missed, loved and never forgotten.

A celebration of life will be planned for the spring/summer of 2026, where her ashes will be placed next to her loving spouse Albert Smith of 73 years at Fore Cemetery, 319 Gorman Bridge Road in Asheville.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.