Clara Catherine Smith

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Clara Catherine Alford Smith, 78.

A native of Augusta, GA, Cathy graduated from The Academy of Richmond County (ARC) and continued her education at Augusta Business School. She was known by many as “Red” with her feisty and witty personality. To her six grandchildren, she was Mamo. Cathy was a member of the Hillside Garden Club and was dedicated to her YaYa sister friends which is what they call themselves, who she grew up with since childhood.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Grady Smith III; parents: Roger Wendell Alford, Sr. and Gertrude Verdery Alford; and three brothers: Roger Wendell Alford, Jr., Orville Wesley Alford and Chris Verdery Alford.

Devoted to her family, she is survived by her two daughters: Mrs. Catherine Smith Rice (Will) and Ms. Ashley Smith Kelley, both of Augusta; and six grandchildren: Catherine Kennedy McKnight, Elizabeth Clay McKnight, George Locke McKnight, Jr., John Walter Kelley III, Catherine Gertrude Kelley and Henry Grady Smith Kelley; and step-grandchildren: Robert Williams Rice III and Carter Elizabeth Rice; and many loved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Westover Memorial Park with Rev. Scott Hearn officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Smith’s grandsons and nephews: Locke McKnight, Walter Kelley and Grady Kelley, Lewis Blanchard, Grady Blanchard, Tyler Smith; and family friend: Brannon Cundey. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Apparo Academy in Cathy’s name at https://apparoacademy.org/donate/ and/or to the Heritage Academy at https://heritageacademyaugusta.org/waystogive/.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com