Vera Mae Smith

Vera Mae Smith, 80, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Born in Leesville, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Wilbur and Hattie Ione Waters. Vera was the proud owner and operator of Dee’s Hollywood Stylette, where she not only styled hair but also built lasting friendships with the many clients she dearly loved. Her salon was more than a workplace, it was a gathering place filled with laughter, stories, and community.

A faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Saluda, Vera loved her church family. She had a gift for cooking and found joy in preparing meals for those she loved. Known for her playful spirit, Vera was quite the jokester and always had a way of making others smile. If she wasn’t cooking or visiting with friends, she was usually “up to something,” keeping life interesting for everyone around her.

She will be remembered for her warm heart, quick wit, and the joy she brought into every room.

Surviving are her husband of 62 years, Jim Smith; children, Monica Elizabeth Motes and Jonathon Murray Smith; grandchildren, Connor Motes (Miranda), Hannah Motes and Phillip Motes (Meredith); along with her sisters, Doris Whitman and Barbara Waters. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Garrett Motes; son-in-law, Tommy Motes; and siblings, Harold Waters and Gladys Matthews.

A memorial service to celebrate Vera’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8th, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in Travis Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.

The family request memorials be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 102 E. Butler Avenue, Saluda, SC 29138.