Gloria Blair Smith,

Gloria Dean Blair Smith, age 56, of Taylorsville passed away May 12, 2011 in Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem after a long but courageous battle with cancer.  Her spirit during her illness was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.  Born the only child, March 10, 1955 to Benjamin Franklin and Gladys Harrington Blair in Alexander County, she grew up in Alexander County, and attended county schools.  She was an employee of the Alexander County School System as a data manger with the Exceptional Children’s Department.  She had also served in the Alexander Clerk of Courts office and assisted several area attorneys.  In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Smith on February 19, 2006.   She is survived by her father, Ben Blair of Valley Nursing Home.  Special friends left to cherish her memory are Deloris Kokathiewics, Martin Kesler and wife Thelma, Fred Kesler, Dee Watts, Beverly Plant, Jane Teague, Kim Fox and Janet Milsaps, among others.  She also has a number of aunts and uncles. A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Alexander Funeral Service in Taylorsville. Rev. Chris Meade will lead the celebration of Gloria’s life.   The fellowship for those attending will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, c/o Alexander County Schools Central Office Relay for Life Team: 700 Liledoun Road, Taylorsville 28681, or to a charity of choice.  Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Gloria’s arrangements.