Mary’s journey through life was marked by love, resilience, and devotion to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Carter Allen Smith, with whom she built a beautiful life and family. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Juanice Lumpkin, Bonice McBride, and Bernice Grimes; her brothers Howard and Harold West; her parents Albert and Vadie West; brother in laws Walter Grimes, Leon Lumpkin, and Fred McBride, and sister-n-law Dixie West, son-in-law James Latham, niece Sharon Harlan; and nephew Jerry Ware, Great nephew Cody Mckinley, and great-great niece Brianna Grimes.
Mary’s legacy lives on through her two daughters, Glenda Latham and Jana Cross; her son-in-law Harold Cross; her four grandchildren, Brittney Latham and Cody, Chance Smith and fiancé Samantha, Joseph Cross and wife Casey, and Brooke Latham and fiancé Ryan; her four great-grandchildren, Russell, Isabella, Zaine, and Beaux. She also had a special bond with nephews Steve and his wife Tammy Grimes, Keith and his wife Tammy Grimes and niece Ginger Force and her husband James who she loved like her own as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.
As the youngest of six children, Mary learned early on the importance of family bonds. Those who knew her best would describe her as someone who put her family first. Always ready with a kind word, a helping hand, or a shoulder to lean on. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where everyone felt valued and loved.
During her life, she had many hobbies. She loved to cook and was very good at it. She spent time painting beautiful pictures, fishing, playing piano, and she loved to travel. I believe she is the reason they invented GPS.
She worked for many years for various car dealerships where she made special friendships with many people.
Throughout her life, Mary faced challenges with grace and determination. She beat cancer twice. She was a fighter. Her strength of character and unwavering faith served as an inspiration to all who knew her. She taught me and my sister the value of perseverance, kindness, and integrity.
Mary’s joy was found in life’s simple pleasures- in family gatherings, in watching her grandchildren grow, and listening to God’s word.
I find peace in knowing that when she took her last breath here on earth, she took her first breath in heaven with Jesus where she has no more pain.
As we say goodbye for now to Mary, we take comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her husband Carter and other family members who went before her. We celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue through the generations she nurtured with such care.
Mary will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. I know her prayer is that all of us would know God and put our trust in Jesus so that she will see us again one day in heaven with her.
