Emma Jean Smith

March 12, 1950 ~ July 12, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Emma Jean Smith, lovingly known to many as "Mama Jean," went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 12, 2013.
A lifelong resident of Asheville, she was the daughter of the late Addie Goforth, and Whiley and Liz Goforth. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Cricket Dean, and brothers, James and Robert Goforth.
She is survived by her six children, William Goforth, Marsha Coleman, Jessie Childers, Melinda Childers and boyfriend Toe, Jeanie McMahan and husband Brian, Charles Ray and wife Gina, all of Asheville; four grandsons, Christopher, Austin, Cody, and Brandon, and one great-grandson, Braxton, all of Asheville; brothers, Ronald, Rick, and Dink Goforth; serveral nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Mama Jean was a strong, loving, caring woman who worked as a bartender in Asheville for many years. She loved her family and friends dearly. She was a breast cancer survivor, and her family gives special thanks to everyone at The Hope Women's Cancer Center of Asheville for taking great care of her.
Her family will receive friends at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. on Saturday, July 20, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Immediately following that visitation, her friends and family are invited to gather at Lake Julian Park for a celebration of Mama Jean's life.
mama jean was a caring,loving and fun woman I love you mama jean rest in peace, we will all see u again one day.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jean was the sister of my brother-in-law Ronald and she always treated me as her friend and family. I will miss her. Love to all of you.
Elizabeth Ramsey
We will surely miss our life-long friend that we love so dearly.
AUNT JEAN You will be forever in my heart. You were a good person and like a second mom to me. I will miss you. My heart goes out to the family.
My heart goes out to all the family. We are sadened by the loss of Jean. I know she will be missed by many.
Our prayers are with the family and friends. Keep the happy memories close and with each sunrise may the sadness of your loss lose its sting. Jean cared for her family and friends…honor her memory!
Our prayers are with the family and friends. Keep the happy memories close and with each sunrise may the sadness of your loss lose its sting. Jean cared for her family and friends…honor her memory!
so sorry to hear about jean passing! she was an awesome lady praying for the family!
It has been years since I have seen you, but I will always remember you as being a sweet person when Jeanie,Charlie,Lynn & I were teenagers..You will be greatly missed.