Mary Lee Smith Rex

April 26, 1932 - June 1, 2021

Mrs. Mary Lee Smith Rex, 89, of Salisbury passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the Novant Health Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House. She was born in Rowan County on April 26, 1932, the daughter of the late Henry Green Smith and the late Blanche McNeely Smith. Mary was educated in the Rowan County Schools and retired from HBD industries. Mary was an excellent cook and loved to have the entire family over for Sunday dinner to enjoy her huge southern home cooked meals. She instilled in her children the joy of reading and learning. Mary was an accomplished seamstress, crafter, gardener and homemaker. Mary was always there to help anyone who fell on hard times and to care for anyone who was sick. Mary was fondly known as Granny Rex by her family and friends and was the central hub of our big crazy family. By her example, she taught us all to be strong, independent and kind. Thank you, our beautiful little Momma and Granny. You will be missed and never forgotten. Have fun dancing with Daddy in Heaven. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years George Albert Rex and 11 brothers and sisters. Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Eric Rex (Sonya); three daughters, Marlene Lookabill (Steve), Terry Call (Bobby) and Ginger Kimbrell (Kenny). Sister, Faye Cole, Sister-in-Law, Joyce Smith, 11 Grandchildren and 29 Great-grandchildren and a number of nephews, nieces, and their children and grandchildren. Special friend of 69 years, Dorothy Grissom. The family would like to thank Jennifer, Annette, April and Wendy for their loving care. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 11:00AM at Graham-Lowder Family Cemetery on Lowder Road with Rev. David Saine officiating. Following the service the family will receive friends at the family home. In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Novant Hospice 1229 Statesville Blvd. Salisbury, NC 28144 or Trinity Oaks 728 Klumac Rd, Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Rex family. Online condolences may be left at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.