Nellie Lou Dover Smith

Grover: Nellie Lou Dover Smith, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and cherished friend, completed her earthly journey on July 18, 2025, in Cleveland County at the age of 85. Born on August 20, 1939, in Cleveland County, she lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to her family and community.

Nellie spent her career as an Inspector in the Textile Industry, where she was known for her diligence and commitment. Beyond her professional life, she found joy in the simple pleasures that brought warmth and happiness to those around her. Her deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was evident in every aspect of her life.

A woman of varied interests, Nellie had a passion for collecting baby dolls and various trinkets. She was especially fond of music, with a particular love for Bluegrass, which often filled her home with melodies that echoed her joyful spirit. Traveling and tending to her flowers brought her peace and contentment.

Nellie had a special place in her heart for Christmas, a time when she and her late husband, Charles, would transform their home into a festive haven, opening it to the community and serving food and hors d'oeuvres. Together, they delighted in playing Santa Claus, spreading cheer and happiness to all who visited.

Her infectious laughter and love for good jokes made her a cherished companion to many. Nellie's ability to find joy in life's moments created lasting memories for her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Dover and Vonie Holcomb; her husband of 58 years, Charles Smith; grandson Chad Smith; Carmen and Casie Lee; sisters Nancy Price and Nita Whitworth; brothers Johnny Dover and Donald "Duck" Dover; and half-brothers Gene Smith and Earl Smith.

Nellie leaves behind a loving family who will continue to honor her memory: her son Ronald Dean Smith and his wife Lois of Grover; her daughter Dianne Lee and her husband Wylie of Boiling Springs; her sister Linda Bowen and her husband Roger of Grover; her brothers Bob Dover and his wife Becky of Grover, Martin "Bant" Dover and his wife Sue of Shelby, and Ken Dover and his wife Robin of Blacksburg, SC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dwan and her husband Jason and Victoria and her husband Jon, and her great-grandchildren, Jacie, Carter, Rylie, Sydney, and Christian.

A graveside service to celebrate Nellie's life will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at Grover Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather and remember a life well-lived and a woman deeply loved.

Nellie Lou Dover Smith's legacy of love and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Funeral Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center

www.claybarnette.com