Evelyn Leona Smith

Evelyn Leona Smith, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at her residence. She was born in Avery County on October 1, 1933 to the late Willie Stout and Meade Bentley Stout.

Leona enjoyed her many hobbies - cooking, gardening, canning and sewing. She also enjoyed fishing, even though Hermon was known to give her dull hooks and bad line so he could catch more fish. She loved having her sons, grandkids and great-grandkids visit her. Her sons will be forever grateful for their Mom’s caregivers, Katie, Layah, Carrington, Haney, Ashley, Debbie, Taylor, Stump, Shelby and Olivia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hermon Smith; daughter, Sharon Denise Smith; granddaughter, Jennifer Smith; five sisters and three brothers.

Leona is survived by her sons, Lynn Smith and Cindy Saarloos; Larry Smith and Beth Gibbons; Lanny Smith and wife, Vicki; grandchildren, Meredith Friga and husband, Paul; Stephen Smith and wife, Sara; Andrew Smith and wife, Cristin; Wally Smith and wife, Jessica; Alecia Nelson and husband, David; Chris Guinn and wife, Chandra; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Gavin,Tyler, Beckham, Gabe, Sam, Brody, Carter, Peyton, Parker, Brooks; and numerous other family members.

There will be a gathering of friends in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 1:00 until 2:00 PM. A graveside service will immediately follow at Clarks Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery at 2:45.

Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Leona Smith.