Marilyn Ruth Wilder Smith

Marilyn Ruth Smith, 78, departed this physical life on July 31, 2023, at Tri-state Manor in Harrogate. She was born at the old Red Bird Hospital on January 13, 1945, to Harry and Virgie Wilder. She attended Fuson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church when she could. Marilyn married her loving and devoted husband on June 11, 1976. Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family and friends and community. Her favorite hobbies were gardening, flowers, and evening walks. Marilyn and her husband, Chester, owned and operated Red Bird Cafe and Smith Grocery where they worked side by side for many years.

In addition to her parents and husband, Chester of 42 years, she was preceded in death by sisters, Ada Caldwell, Mabel Collett, Margie Clemons; brothers, John Wilder, George Wilder and Harold Wilder.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Dwayne (Melissa Wilder, Sheila (Tim) Barnett, bonus grandsons and their wives and many grandchildren, Terry (Chelsea) Smith, grandchildren, Bella and Canaan Smith and bonus son, Ricky (Teresa) Smith; brother, Harley Wilder (Betty and Michael), and Martha Mason; special friends, Freda Slusher and Cindy Hunter and a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home with Rev. Clint Goodin and Rev. Mark Hunter presiding. Music will be provided by Barry Barton and Chelsea Smith. Burial will follow at the Smith Family Cemetery in Beverly. Pallbearers will be Malachi Barnett, Cameron Barnett, Isaac Barnett, Tim Barnett, Terry Smith, and Dwayne Wilder.

Special Thank you to everyone at Tri-State Health & Rehab and Suncrest Hospice for their care and compassion during this time.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville, which is honored to serve the Smith Family. Light a candle of remembrance and sign the guest register at www.arnettsteele.com.