Sharon Phillips Smith

Sharon Phillips Smith, 74, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday morning, February 21, 2023 at UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton.

A native of Gastonia, Sharon was born August 11, 1948 to the late Conrad Mack Phillips and Rosa Lee Chesney Phillips.

Sharon was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Marion where she served faithfully with the United Methodist Women and in countless other areas within the church. Sharon was the longest serving employee of McDowell Technical Community College where she worked as Director of Library Services for 45 years. In recognition of her service, the library was named for her in 2021. She gave of her time and talents with various other organizations in our area including the McDowell County Public Library, McDowell Chamber of Commerce, and McDowell Arts and Crafts Association. She enjoyed traveling and had a longtime passion for theatre arts. Sharon leaves a lasting legacy of selfless service to our community and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Gary Phillips.

She leaves behind her sister, Glenis Cothern; a niece, Jennifer Cothern (Laronda); a nephew, Eric Cothern (Dawn); and many, many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be in the columbarium at First United Methodist Church.