Mrs. Lizzie Mae Smith, 87, of Charlotte, NC, departed this life on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at her residence.

Lizzie Sanders McClure Smith, daughter of the late Sam Sanders and Addie Durham Sanders, was born February 1, 1937, in York, South Carolina. She peacefully entered into God's hands on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at her home.

Lizzie was educated in the York County School System. During her younger years, she was a member of the Liberty Hill A.M.E. Zion Church. Later in life, she joined the O'Zion A.M.E. Zion Church under the leadership of Rev. J.F. Baxter and stayed a devoted member who loved her church family. She faithfully served on several church ministries until her health began to decline. She was a member of the Deaconess Board, Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society, Hymn Choir, and was a former member of the Gospel Choir and Kitchen Committee. Lizzie was a devoted supporter of all other church auxiliaries and ministries.

Lizzie was a devoted mother, grandmother, friend to many, and an example of a great homemaker. Her hobbies she held dear to heart included thrift store shopping, cooking, gardening, and baseball. For many years, she worked as a textile machine operator at Dixie Yarn, Pharr Yarns and Stowe Mills in McAdenville, NC. Lizzie will be remembered for her renowned "sweet potato deep dish pie," with the secret ingredient that she always cherished being "love."

Lizzie was the last of her siblings and the matriarch of the Sanders family. She was preceded in death by three sons, Roosevelt McClure Jr., James W. Smith Sr., and Charles E. Smith Sr.; two daughters, Wandie Jane McClure, Babie McClure; two companions, Roosevelt McClure Sr., and John T. Smith.

She leaves behind cherished earthly memories to her sons, Robert McClure Sr. of York, SC, Danny Sanders of Charlotte, NC and daughter, Johnnie Mae Smith of Hampton, VA; eleven grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Martha Mae Smith;  three brothers-in-law, William Smith (Lula), Clyde Smith (Chasie), Rev. Michael Smith (Debra); four sisters-in-law, Rosa White, Helen McKnight, Annie Miller (Verlie), Shirley Sanders; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.