Shirley Horton Smith

 
With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Shirley Horton Smith, age 91, of Spartanburg entered her heavenly home on March 17, 2026, surrounded by her family.Born in Spartanburg on October 30, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Lee and Bonnieon Horton. Shirley was a woman of charm, wit, generosity and wisdom. She possessed a quiet strength, balanced by a feisty spirit and a steadfast determination that carried her through life’s joys and challenges. She found great happiness in gardening, flowers, plants and all things nature—especially hummingbirds—but above all, her family was her greatest treasure. In 1991, she married the love of her life, Lloyd Smith, whom she lovingly called “the sweetest man in the world.” Together, they shared three decades of a remarkable love story rooted in loyalty, friendship, laughter and adventure. Their years were filled with travel and cherished memories across the world. They later enjoyed retirement in Nokomis, Florida, where Shirley was active in her church, garden clubs and a vibrant circle of friends. In recent years, she returned to the Upstate, where she spent over a decade surrounded by the love of her family. Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lloyd Smith; brother, Benny Horton; sister, Pat Wilson; her granddaughter, Erika McMahon and best friend, Maxine Seay Deshaies. She is survived by her devoted daughter and caregiver, Jackie (Sean McMahon) of Spartanburg; daughters Patti (Tim Madden) of Limerick, Ireland, and Nancy (Danny McDowell) of Campobello; and son Bobby McMurtrie of Canon, Georgia. She is also survived by her stepdaughters, Cheryl (Gary Honaker) and Amanda Smith (David White). Her legacy continues through her loving grandchildren: Tonja (Les Lindsey), Elizabeth (Lee Inman), Jennifer (Britt Bogan), Maureen Fowler, Melanie (David Hamilton), Daniel McDowell (Erica), Caroline Mansfield (Jake Williams), and Robert McMurtrie (Emily); as well as step-granddaughters Jillian and Amy Honaker. She also leaves behind 16 cherished great-grandchildren whom she adored. Shirley held a special place in her heart for her nephews, Terry Horton (Carla) and Buckie Horton (Melissa), and her niece, Rhonda (Bart Crosby).A dedicated and hardworking woman, Shirley spent over 25 years at Hoechst Celanese in Spartanburg and also taught key punching at Spartanburg Technical College. She was a proud member of the ZONTA Club, where she served with dedication during her many years of involvement. She was a breast cancer survivor and a woman of deep faith, having been a longtime member of First Baptist Church Spartanburg. Upon returning to the Upstate, she and Lloyd were members of Lyman Methodist Church.The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Lamika Jackson-Gaines and Angela Dean, for the compassion, dignity and unwavering care they provided in her battle with dementia. Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel is entrusted with her care as we honor and celebrate 91 years of faithful service to her family, friends, community, and her Savior. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 21, from 11:30 am to 12:50 pm at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. A Homegoing Service will follow at 1:00 pm in the chapel, with entombment at Greenlawn Heritage Memorial Mausoleum at 2:00 pm. Shirley’s life was a testament to love, resilience and grace. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Sweetie Pie Lloyd—whole, healed and resting in the arms of Our Lord.