DeNorma Smith Gunter, known to family and friends as DeDe, was born in Clover, S.C. on December 16, 1926 to Yates and Alie Smith. She moved to Gastonia, N.C. before she turned one and grew up in the textile town with her sister June. She graduated from Gastonia High School and attended Converse College before getting married to husband Dan at the age of nineteen. Together they raised three children, Mike, Robin and Peaches. She is the proud grandmother of six and great grandmother of seven. She is a talented musician and vocalist and has spent much of her adult life serving her family, community and church.