NEWS

Family and friends surrounding Mrs. Maggie Smith following the ceremony. (News of Davidson photo)

Friends and family gathered to honor Maggie Louise Black Smith on Wednesday morning, November 26, the day she received the G. Jackson Burney Community Service Award. This is the highest honor accorded by the Town of Davidson to a citizen for a lifetime of work for and devotion to Davidson.

Following a beautiful concert by the Moravian Brass Band, concluding with the National Anthem, Mayor Rusty Knox welcomed those gathered in the Town Hall auditorium. Knox spoke of the man, Jack Burney, for whom the award was created and named in 2004. Burney was a loyal citizen, retiring here after his years as Executive Director of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. He was chair of the Planning Board and led the town in joining the digital age, among his many other talents. He was an avid reader, researcher, and writer with a cadre of friends he named the WIMPS (We're Intent on Making Progress Slowly). Burney clearly had great wit, as well as serious purpose. Knox then introduced members of Burney's family who had come from South Carolina to support the annual event.

Mrs. Smith was surrounded by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to whom she has given, without fail, her support and love. Also present were members of her church, Reeves Temple AME Zion Church. Her pastor, the Reverend Dr. William McKenith, offered the opening prayer and spoke of Smith's faithfulness to the church and to her family. Many friends were present, as well as Town Manager, Jamie Justice; other Town Staff; and Town Board Members Autumn Michael, Tracy Mattison Brandon, and Connie Wessner, demonstrating the many ways that Maggie Smith has opened her life to this community. Betsy Shores, Town Clerk and Director of Communications, arranged the beautiful event and the luncheon that followed for Smith and her special guests

The citation was then read by Margo Williams, former member of the Town Board. Williams said, "It was a privilege to talk with Maggie about her life growing up and her life in Davidson and to write her citation. She is a remarkable person and deserving of this recognition. She represents what is best about our town - the citizens who give their time and talent to make this a better place for all who call Davidson home."

Georgia Krueger, herself a recipient of the Burney Award, came forward next to read these words written by Karen Toney, who also made a lovely piece for Smith from an old oak. Krueger invited Smith forward to receive the gift. Toney wrote:

"After reading all the wonderful things shared about Maggie, this is what the Lord placed on my heart to create in her honor, as she is celebrated today by the Town of Davidson.

The wood of this piece is oak, taken from my own yard on Cardinal Court. My home sits on the West Side—the same community Maggie has faithfully served for so many years. The tree fell during a storm, landing on my house. But just as Maggie has weathered many storms in her own life, she has always found a way to create beauty from ashes. And now, from that fallen tree, something beautiful has been made for her.

The tea lights represent the countless lives she has illuminated over the years—every child she has “raised” in her home daycare, and every young person she has guided through Davidson Parks & Recreation. Sometimes all a person needs is someone willing to light their path out of darkness and into possibility. Maggie has been that light for so many.

And then there is the Cross. The Cross represents the sacrifice of Maggie’s Lord and Savior, who gave His life so that she might have eternal life. He is her guiding light—her source, her strength, and the reason she serves so generously. Because He first loved her, she is able to love her town, her church, her flowers, and her Davidson Parks & Rec family with such joy and devotion.

It's been my honor to create this for you Maggie. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you today to present it to you."

Smith spoke about the babies in her care and the family she loves so well. She also selected a local nonprofit, the Davidson-Cornelius Child Development Center, to be given a donation in her name.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests enjoyed a luncheon in the Town Hall Community Room, where delicious food and the happy company of family and friends brought the day to a close.