April 5, 2025, 94, Goldsboro —

Lou Smith Kearney, 94, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Born in Wayne County on September 3, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Otha and Mamie Coker Smith and the widow of Roger Kearney.

Lou was the former owner and operator of Pineview Beauty Shop where she made many friendships. She was a member of Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church and a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class.

A service to celebrate the life of Granny Lou will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Stan Matthews officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday from 12:00 – 1:45 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. Burial will follow at the Smith Cemetery with Pastor Barry Williamson officiating.

Lou is survived by her daughter, Peggy Daniels; daughters-in-laws, Bobbie Gardner and Sheila Gardner; granddaughters, Jessica Gardner, Jamie Sears and husband, John, Joy Wood and husband, Dustin, Brianna Daniels, and Dana-Lou Daniels and fiancé, Jarrett; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her longtime friend, Bobbie Holland.

In addition to her husband and parents Lou was preceded in death by her sons, David Gardner and Don Gardner.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Kitty Askins Hospice Center for the loving care provided to Granny Lou over the past several months.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be directed to Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church 752 Stoney Creek Church Road. Goldsboro, NC 27534 or Cragmont Assembly, 1233 N Fork Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.