Update: Charlotte Swanson Smith (1951 – 2025)

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethel Community Center (49 Kendrick Ford Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630) on March 21^st at Noon.

Charlotte Swanson Smith, 74 of Winchester, Virginia, formerly of Front Royal, passed away in Winchester Medical Center on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Charlotte Swanson Smith

Charlotte was born on July 24, 1951, in Winchester, Virginia, to the late Forrest and Lillian Swanson.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Smith Jr, four brothers, Thomas Swanson, George Swanson, Richard Swanson, and Randy Swanson; and three sisters, Elizabeth Ondish, Patricia Ondish, and Barbara Woodward.

Survivors include her children, Jerry Poe and Julie Poe, her grandchildren, Angel Poe, Jesse Poe, Stephen Johnson, and Dylan Johnson, numerous nieces and nephews, and her dog Tater-Tot. Additionally, she is survived by three stepchildren, five step-grandchildren, and a step-great-grandchild.

Charlotte grew up in Front Royal, graduated from John S Mosby Academy, and performed in the local Little Theatre.  She was also a long-time hairdresser for multiple salons in Front Royal before managing Regis Hairstylists in Winchester.  She later opened two of her own salons: one in Front Royal and one in Winchester.  She was a singer, guitarist, and upright bass player, performing in various bands, including Harmony Hollow, Sweetwater String Band, and a duet with her husband, Charley. She was also a member of the Winchester Moose Lodge. In addition, she continued performing at the Little Theatre and the Winchester Follies. She spent many years at the ball fields watching her grandchildren’s baseball and football games and was also an avid Washington ‘Redskins’ fan.

A Celebration of Life will be announced and held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to your local SPCA.