Marion Toulson Smith

Marion Toulson Smith lost her multi-year battle with cancer and passed away on April 20, 2022, in Washington, D.C. A fourth generation Washingtonian, Marion was born on June 25,1950, the daughter of Arthur Clarendon Smith Jr. and Martha Totty Smith.

A steadfast and loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Marion had a warm heart, spiritual soul and a sharp wit. She was a tennis ace and history buff, lifelong Washington Football Team fan, and a lover of animals and the environment. Marion was thoughtful, intellectually curious, quick with a smile, led with kindness, and had a joyous and contagious laugh. A loyal friend, she could always be relied upon to provide a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on and sage advice. Her wisdom, optimism, humor, and vibrant personality will be forever cherished.

Marion attended the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, MD, where she excelled in academics and sports, while making life-long friends. She went on to the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with honors in 1972 with a B.A. in Sociology. Marion continued her education at the University of Maryland, where she achieved her Masters Degree in Social Work, as well as earned a Graduate Certificate in Public Relations from American University. She dedicated her career to non-profit work and was skilled in communications, fundraising, grant writing, and capital campaigns. She was a member of the Association of Professional Fundraisers since 1987. She was also an active and devoted member of the Cleveland Park Congregational Church.

Marion is survived by her sister Carolyn Carothers Smith; brother Arthur Clarendon Smith III and his wife Mary Antonia Wallack; and her nieces Antonia Alexis Smith and Madeleine Elizabeth Smith. A celebration of Marion’s life will be held on Sunday, May 22, from 12:30 - 3 PM, at Congressional Country Club, 8500 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cleveland Park Congregational Church, 3400 Lowell St., N.W., Washington, DC, 20016, https://cpcchurch.org/donate/