Rachel Long Smith, 94, passed away peacefully at Shelby Manor on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Born in Cleveland County, NC on December 15, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Walter Herbert Long and Margaret Spake Long. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ed Smith; brothers Max Long and wife Sarah, Hugh Long, and Wayne Long; son-in-law Bob Curtis; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Jim and Mildred Blackwell, Donald and Lorene Self, A.G. Whisnant, James and Virginia Hamrick, and Margie Hayes.

She is survived by her son Eddie Smith and wife Teresa, her daughter Melissa Curtis; grandchildren Amanda Smith, Elizabeth Canipe and husband David, Matt Curtis and wife Meredith, and Shannon Curtis; great grandchildren Case, Huck, Seth and Hayden Canipe, and Sadie and Bear Davis; sisters-in-law Joy Long and Anita Long; brother-in-law James Hayes; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Rachel was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church where she enjoyed attending her Sunday School class and singing in the Keenage Choir. She worked for BellSouth, retiring after 33 years of service.

The family would like to thank the staff at Shelby Manor for the love and care she received during her stay there.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 am at Elizabeth Baptist Church with Pastor Rit Varriale officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VIA Health Partners: P.O Box 470408 Charlotte, NC 28247

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is compassionately serving the family at their time of need.