Elizabeth "Libby" Houser Smith, 71

Elizabeth “Libby” Houser Smith
February 20, 1948 – July 20, 2019

Libby was married 54 years to the love of her life, Dewey Smith, who passed away January of this year. Libby thanked God daily for giving her a wonderful husband. But her heart was broken and the twinkle was gone from her eyes after losing him. And even though she had health issues we believe she really passed from a broken heart. We also believe there was a happy reunion in heaven this morning.
It’s been said that a mother is a son’s best friend and this is true of Libby and her son Darin. Libby would light up with a huge smile when he walked into the room. She loved him so much and was very proud of him. Darin loved and honored her and is so thankful for a loving mother who was always there for him.
For more than 30 years Libby worked as a teacher assistant at Sunshine Elementary. She loved children and looked for ways to uplift and encourage students. For many years, every report card period, she would put a $2 bill into personalized envelopes and give one to every student who made the “A” honor roll. Some said she was crazy to do that but the pride and smiles on those student’s faces told her otherwise. The kids loved her and she loved them.
Libby always had a smile on her face and wanted to bring joy to those around her. She enjoyed uplifting others with random acts of kindness. One hot summer day she took her vehicle through the hand car wash and left when her car was finished. A few minutes later she returned to the car wash with milk shakes for everyone. They were so surprised, and she quickly became their favorite customer!  A small act of thoughtfulness that meant so much.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up….” (ESV). Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…” (ESV). Libby lived her life encouraging and uplifting others and spreading joy through simple acts of kindness. Even these last few days as her health declined she was still smiling, still telling people how wonderful they were, and still telling them she loved them. What a wonderful illustration of God’s love toward us!
She was the daughter of the late L.D. and Verlie Queen Houser, and was preceded in death by two siblings, Helen Houser Flynn and Lloyd Houser.
She is survived by her son, Darin Edward Smith and wife Kiyini, of Golden Valley; her granddaughter, Makayla Yarbrough of Green Hill; her 2 sisters, Ethel Propes of Golden Valley, and Grace Lovelace of Lincolnton; and her 5 brothers, J.D. Houser of Golden Valley, Clinton Houser of Oklahoma, and John Houser, Henry Houser, and Walt Houser, all of Lincolnton; and a sister-in-law, Joneal Houser of Maiden.  
A Graveside Service will be conducted at 10:30 am Monday, July 22, 2019 at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. Chaplain Colonel Max Burgin will officiate. Pallbearers are Jon Smith, Bryson Smith, Terry Self, Chris Smith, Justin Colby Smith, and Arthur Smith.
Libby requested in lieu of flowers, to make memorials to Sunshine Elementary School Library, 231 Toney Road, Bostic, NC 28018.
Washburn & Dorsey is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences @www.washurndorsey.com.