She was born on May 18, 1935 in Troup County, Ga. a daughter of the late Grady Henry Smith and Martha Ella Butler Smith.
Mrs. Cardwell retired from West Point Stevens Dunson Mills following 45 years of dedicated service. She was a long time member of the Baptist Tabernacle in LaGrange.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husbands, Charley Brown and James Walter Cardwell; brothers, Jack, Frank, Gerald and Paul Smith; sister, Sybil Nauss; son, Babe Herman Bowen and a granddaughter.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephania Hester; son, William M. (Bill) Campbell; step-daughter, Janet Ann Brown; sister, Charlotte Tucker and Billy; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended relatives.
Funeral services were conducted on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013 at 2 p.m. from the Baptist Tabernacle in LaGrange with Rev. Jimmy McMillian officiating. Interment followed in the Shadowlawn Cemetery, LaGrange.
Those wishing can sign the online guestbook at www.liteseyfh.com to express condolences to the family.
The Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.