Catherine McRackan Smith

Catherine McRackan Smith died Tuesday evening November 22, 2011 of Alzheimer’s disease at National Healthcare of Mauldin. She was the daughter of the late Margaret Wilson McRackan and the late Robert Morris McRackan both of long family lines from early North Carolina History. Catherine graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Southport High School in 1950. In addition Catherine and her twin sister Rebecca were distinguished players on the high school basketball court. Later they would be recognized as outstanding players on the Meredith College basketball team. Catherine graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC in 1954. Catherine lived her professional life devoted to serving others as she lived her life day to day. Her professional life of teaching was devoted to her third grade classes. As a third grade teacher she was considered an extraordinary teacher by her principals, fellow teachers, students and their parents. Catherine had the gift of making every child feel wanted, loved and capable of learning. She helped hundreds of children know what it was to be accepted for what they are, what they can do, and go on to experience the joy and success that comes with learning. Catherine’s North Carolina teaching experience from 1954 until 1962 was as follows, Laurinburg Elementary; Boylan Heights Elementary, Raleigh; Walcoats Elementary, Greenville and Poe Elementary, Raleigh. Then from 1964 until her retirement in 1986 she taught at Burtonsville Elementary in Montgomery County, MD. She was a tender, compassionate, considerate, loving dedicated wife, mother and friend. She was a role model to all. Refined in social graces but the most down to earth, genuine person you would every meet! Catherine was relentless in her energy and loved to be on the “go.” She enjoyed the cultural arts as much as being in the outdoors. Catherine enjoyed playing cards and loved going to the beach with her family. She was the quintessential cook and loved to entertain. After long days of teaching, grading papers, and staying afterschool to help students she always managed to create a wonderful home cooked meal every night for her family. She was known for her Coconut Cakes and Pound Cakes. She loved to work in the yard and help with house projects. In l987 after retiring from teaching she and her husband moved to South Carolina. Catherine was a member of the Travelers Rest First Baptist Church of Travelers Rest, SC. She served and prepared food for families in the church and local community. She is survived by her husband Carroll of 54 years and daughter Cindy Smith of Raleigh, NC, her identical twin sister Rebecca Moose of Conover , NC , sister in law Earline Banic of Oak Ridge , TN and many nieces. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a sister, Ann Revels of Lumberton, NC. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 PM Friday evening at The Howze Mortuary. Funeral Services will be held at 11 o’clock Saturday morning at First Baptist Church of Travelers Rest, 20 McElhaney Road, Travelers Rest, SC. Burial will follow the service at Grand View Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 301 University Ridge, Suite 5000, Greenville, SC 29601-3686.

Catherine McRackan Smith

June 28, 1932 - November 22, 2011