Rachel Ann (McKinney) Smith

Rachel Ann McKinney Smith, age 75, of Fairview, NC, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Fleshers Fairview Health Care Center in Fairview, NC.

Rachel was born on June 13, 1945, in Buncombe County, to the late Claude M. McKinney and Helen Elizabeth Story McKinney.

She attended Biltmore Church of God and had worked as a seamstress at the Kellwood Company and as a waitress at Waffle House.

Rachel was a very caring and kind person. She was an animal lover and was known to always have a few cats and dogs running around her house. She enjoyed playing bingo and socializing with friends. Most importantly, she adored her son Frank and loved him deeply. He was her heart.

In addition to her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Fay Smith, Jr.; and a brother, Ernest Helton.

Those left  behind to cherish her memory are her son, Frank “Sonny” Fay Smith, III, of Asheville; two sisters, Martha Goodman of Asheville and Naomi McKinney Sheldon of Swannanoa; a brother, Ray M. McKinney and his wife Nora, of Asheville; and a sister in law, Betty Helton of Asheville; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Rachel’s life will be announced by the family at a later date.

The family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to: Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Smith family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rachel Ann (McKinney) Smith, please visit our floral store.