Our amazing and unforgettable Kristin Smay Gregory, 54, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2017 at 7:30pm at her beloved home in Holden Beach, NC after fighting a tremendous fight against Myelofibrosis. Her closest family members, including her two cherished puppies, were tucked in close telling treasured memories of the past when Kristi passed away. She is finally pain free and at peace and we will always cherish the joy we brought her in her last hours by surrounding her with amazing stories and love.

Kristi was born December 12, 1962 in Poughkeepsie, NY, the daughter of Charlotte and Neil Smay. She grew up playing year-round sports, rotating between volleyball, basketball and the occasional rowing. She was the typical jock of the family and had a knack for befriending anyone and everyone she met. Kristi then attended North Georgia Military College where she met her first husband Rabun (Ray) Sanders whom she married in February of 1987. Together they had two beautiful children, Samantha (Sam) and Broderick (Brody) Sanders. These children, along side her collection of fine leather purses, were her pride and joy through and through.

In March 3, 2000 Kristi married the love of her life, the one and only James (Jim/Jimbo) Gregory at St. Mary’s Chapel in Charlotte, NC. Together these two conquered life with endless love and laughter. Their travels included trips to Alaska, Los Cabos, Italy, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, England, and the city of love, of course her favorite, Paris, France. When they weren’t gallivanting abroad, the two enjoyed hopping in the car and driving around town praising/critiquing homes, searching for the few Ford Broncos in the area, and rescuing any stray doggy they may come across.

In addition to raising her two children, Kristi was an entrepreneur. In 2011, upon remodeling her bathroom, she realized how unfortunate looking those ugly store bought shampoo bottles were. I mean, come on, we’ve all been there. From that moment on she was persistent in creating a product that allowed for an elegant yet functional approach to shampoo bottles. After months of planning and designing, she finally introduced the Shower Niche Kit. The years following, she displayed her product at the Southern Christmas Show where she strategically befriended every food and shoe vendor. But that’s beside the point. Her legacy shall live on with her children, husband, and the Shower Niche Kit.

Kristi is one of the most outgoing and hilarious people many of us will every meet. She is world-renowned for her lack of a filter and the ability to make anyone laugh (even that awkward giggle you do if you’re not sure if something is appropriate to laugh at). However, she thoroughly enjoyed spending nights at home tucked in close to her puppies and boyfriend (a.k.a. Jimbo), watching the Ellen Degeneres show. While ordering pizza or making a simple tomato sandwich often sufficed for her, she couldn’t go more than a few days without the splendid taste of her favorite chicken soup from Maria’s mexican restaurant. When her children were home, this soup was often accompanied by tastebud-burning salsa and a round of ‘ritas. She was always game for an adventure, which was evident by her 52nd birthday to the most intense indoor go-kart track in Charlotte. We signed waivers, strapped on helmets, stepped into our fire-proof uniforms and spent an exhausting 7 minutes on the track to celebrate this women’s birthday. (This too, was followed by Maria’s ‘ritas). As most of you know, she didn’t sugar coat much, hardly held back an opinion, and found joy in other’s discomfort. But this is what made her one-of-a-kind and she shall continue to live on in our memories as just that.

Kristi fought a relentless fight against this awful disease, however, she didn’t fight alone. Her sister, Rhonda (Ronnie) Brown, fought by her side day in and day out. From letting Kristi move in with her to accompanying her to almost every doctor appointment and hospital stay, Ronnie was there every step of the way. Kristi enjoyed their nights laying in Ronnie’s bed together as if they were little girls again, eating popcorn and watching Dancing With the Stars. This past year they were not just sisters, but best friends, a pair of fighters, and each others angels. She helped in ways that will never be forgotten and thanks alone will never be enough.

She is survived by her husband, James Gregory; mother, Charlotte Smay; siblings Rhonda Brown, Warren Smay, Laird Smay, and Brian Smay; her children Broderick and Samantha Sanders; step-son Tripp Gregory, and her two fur-babies Harley and Toby, along with a number of close relatives and friends.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 6:30 PM on October 14, 2017 at St. Mary’s Chapel 1129 E 3rd St., Charlotte, NC. Additional parking available at 915 E 4th St. We welcome all of those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local humane society or send them to Jim Gregory at 6767 Louisburg Square Lane, Charlotte, NC 28210 so that a final donation can be made on her behalf to the National Humane Society. There will also be an opportunity at the service to donate. We love and appreciate all who gave her wonderful memories and laughter.

“The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive.” – Coco Chanel

“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost limit of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:9