Sylvia Smith Calhoun

Sylvia Smith Calhoun, 78, of Davidson, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 6th 2026 at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House. She was born on April 26, 1948, to Walton and Annie Dee Smith and grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, where she attended Lee Edwards High School.

Sylvia was a woman who devoted her life to the people she loved. She is survived by her beloved spouse, Pat Calhoun; her children, Ginny Frood (Jared) and Patterson (Kathryn); and her grandchildren, Jack, Campbell, Emmy, Hadley, Luke, and Cal. She also leaves behind her siblings, Deanne Smith, Patricia Adams, Dorothy Sullivan, and her twin, Ramsay Smith, as well as countless friends, former students, and members of her church and community who were fortunate to know her.

Education was one of the great passions of Sylvia's life. After attending UNC Asheville, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree from UNC Charlotte and dedicated 25 years to public school education. She began her teaching career at Clear Creek Elementary School before spending two decades at Newell Elementary School. Sylvia was a committed educator who cared deeply about her students. She believed in them, encouraged them, and made a lasting impression on generations of children whose lives she touched.

Her faith, church, and community engagement were equally important to her. Sylvia was an active and devoted member of Newell Presbyterian Church, where she gave generously of her time and talents. Among her many contributions, she served as director of the church's Youth Club, a program that had a profound and lasting impact on the young people and families it served. Sylvia was also a dedicated volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Charlotte, where she helped create a warm and comforting home away from home for families during difficult and uncertain times. Her willingness to serve others reflected her kind spirit and genuine concern for children and families in need.

To her grandchildren, Sylvia was affectionately known as "Mia." She embraced that role completely and cherished every moment with her expansive family. Being a grandmother brought her tremendous joy, and her grandchildren will remember her not only for the love she gave them, but for the warmth, laughter, meals, stories, and traditions she created around them.

Sylvia loved bringing people together. She took great pleasure in preparing meals and entertaining family and friends, and her home was often a place where people gathered, shared a meal, told stories, and enjoyed one another's company. She was also a longtime fan of the Bee Gees, a love that was very much a part of her personality and the joy she brought to everyday life.

After retiring from education, Sylvia spent much of her time at “Waldee ”, on Huckleberry Creek in the mountains of North Carolina. The mountains were special to her, a love that began with visits to “the cabin” as a child and continued throughout her life as a place she spent time with the people she loved.

Sylvia will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend. She gave generously of herself throughout her life, and the impact she had on her family, her students, her church, and her community will continue through the many lives she touched.

A celebration of Sylvia's life will be held on Waldee at a future date. Family and friends will gather to remember her, share stories, and celebrate a life that brought so much love and happiness to those around her.