Margaret Smith

MONTEREY – Margaret Lyle Colaw Smith, 80, of Monterey, completed her earthly journey, Thursday, April 13, 2017 at her home.

She was born January 25, 1937, a daughter of the late Charles King and Ophelia Edith (Mahone) Colaw in Crabbottom. Shortly thereafter the family bought and moved to a farm at Hightown.

Ms. Smith graduated from Monterey High School as salutatorian of the 1955 graduating class. She shortly started work in the Highland County Commissioner of the Revenue Office as deputy commissioner of Revenue. After serving seven years in this capacity, she was employed by the USDA-ASCS from which she retired after 30 years of service. During this time she and her then husband also owned and operated the Monterey Water Company until the company was purchased by the town. During her time in the ASCS office, while serving as the acting county executive director, she was recognized for outstanding service, both at the State and South-Eastern United States area. Following her retirement, Ms. Smith continued to work in several part-time and substitute work positions throughout the county.

Ms. Smith was a member of Monterey United Methodist Church and raised in the Hightown United Methodist Church. She enjoyed dancing, crosswords and various puzzles.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her very special step-father, George G. Gum; special brother-in-law, Harry J. “Saul” Simmons in 1999 and his wife and her sister, Edith “Edie” Colaw Simmons in 2008; and a special nephew, Harry Paul “Bunyan” Simmons in 2010.

Surviving family members include her son, Charles Houston “Chuck” Smith and Sherry Wolfe of Monterey; grandson Charles “Lyle” Gregory Smith of Monterey, three-step grandchildren; her younger sister, Mildred “Millie” Shumate and husband, Lewis, of McDowell; her special niece, Vicky Simmons of Hightown; her special great-niece, Jessica Liller, and husband Jeff; their daughters, Sarah and Becca, who were a very important part of her life; nephews, Steve Shumate and wife, Patty, and Jeff Shumate and wife, Alice, all of McDowell; additional great-nieces survive.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m., Monday, April 17, 2017 at Obaugh Funeral Home with the Rev. Jack Schooler and Rev. Andre Crummett officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Grass Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Steve and Jeff Shumate, Vernon Wooddell, Michael Folks, Raymond Smith, Tony “Doody” Conner and Jamie Morgan.

Nieces, nephews, and friends in attendance will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Highland County Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 267, Monterey, Va. 24465.