Karon Holman Smith

Arden- Karon Holman Smith, 85, of Arden, died Sunday, July 20, 2025 at Givens Highland Farms.

She was born to Aaron and Coralie Holman on December 29, 1939 in Hicksville, OH. She grew up on a dairy farm in Dekalb County, IN. After graduating from Riverdale High School and receiving training at Parkview School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, IN, she worked for an orthopedic practice in Fort Wayne for two years. She then enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed at RAF Alconbury, UK in 1961. She was also assigned to OB-Gyn duty at RAF Molesworth. She met and married Myron Smith, Jr. March 9, 1963 and was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1964.

Karon lived in Harahan, LA for 40 years. She received clinical research training at Tulane University Hospital in New Orleans, LA. She worked in clinical research at Ochsner Clinic for 20 years and received numerous nursing and clinical research awards and certifications. She was an active member at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Harahan. Karon and Myron moved to Asheville, NC in 2009 and then to Trinity View Retirement Community in 2022.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Dr. Myron Wallace Smith, Jr.; three sons, Dr. Myron Wallace Smith, III (Susan), Stuart Aaron Smith and Scott Edward Smith (Kristie), two sisters, Gailana Ransom and Pam Bello; one brother, Carlye Holman; four grandchildren, Taylor Smith, Hunter Smith, Aisling Smith and Libby Overton as well as several nieces and nephews. Karon was a Christian with a beautiful caring heart that was deeply loved by all who knew her.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Skyland United Methodist Church. Private burial will be at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Karon’s memory to Skyland United Methodist Church.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.