Mary Frances (Knott) Smith

Mary Frances Smith, age 96, of Boone, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 13, 2025. She was born in Wilhelmina, Missouri the daughter of the late James and Horrel Knott, wife of the late Robert Smith; mother of Leigh Ann Duda and late Thomas Smith, and grandmother of Zach Duda. She called the High Country in Boone, NC her home for nearly four decades. Mary loved gardening, knitting, cross stitch, dancing, attending church, her faith, praying, and sweets. Her kindness knew no bounds as an exemplary citizen of Watauga County. Mary delivered Meals on Wheels for over two decades, supported local nursing homes, and helped bring comfort and communion to the sick.  Mary was an aunt to many and is survived by her brother James (Mae) Knott, her sister Rita Brown, and her sister-in-law Mary I. Knott. A celebration of Mary Smith’s life will be at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel, Saturday September 27, 2025. Visitation will be from 11:00 – 12:00 and a Funeral Mass will follow at 12pm.Burial will be at Mount Lawn Cemetery following funeral mass service. 

Online condolences may be shared with the Smith family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome .com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Smith family.

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