Mary Maxine (Smith) Wilson

Mary Maxine Smith Wilson, 82, of La Grange, Kentucky died peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2025. Born June 4,1942 in Bardstown, Kentucky, Mary was the sixth of eight children of Bertram Lancaster Smith (1901-1986) and Mary Sylvia Rapier Smith (1910- 1978).

Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Robert "Bob" Wilson, her brothers, William Smith, Rapier Smith, Thomas Smith and sister in-laws Joyce Smith and Violet Smith. Left to cherish the memory of Mary are her children Bobby Wilson, Holly Wilson, Valerie Lynn Wilson (O.V.), Mary Sylvia Grant (Jon), Thomas Wilson (Michelle Jacobi) and Therese Pollett (Brandon), four grandchildren; Michael, Elizabeth, Piper and Max, sister Virginia Horlander (David) and brothers Bertram Smith, Francis Smith (Lucy) and Pat Smith (Celia), sisters in-law Debbie Smith and Patsy Smith. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was a 1960 graduate of Bethlehem High School. Upon graduation, Mary worked as a bookkeeper until her marriage fulfilling her dream of becoming a mother. She dedicated her life to raising her six children with love and wisdom. She was a caretaker, comforter and protector. Mary had a fiery spirit, was strong-willed and tenacious. Her fortitude was something that will be admired for many generations.

Mary was a gifted musician who performed a showcase in her senior year of high school and was featured on the local radio station. She continued to share her musical talent by playing the organ at the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown and Saint Aloysius in Pewee Valley. She was a devout Catholic and a member of Immaculate Conception Church in La Grange. Later in life, Mary became an avid artist. Her paintings were displayed throughout the community.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who affectionately called her Beanie, her childhood nickname. Her children and grandchildren loved her for her sweet and gentle touch, kind words, and a fierce loyalty that was unmatched by anyone. She will be missed by all who loved her.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Thursday, January 30th at 11am with burial to follow at Valley of Rest in La Grange, KY. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 4-8pm with a prayer service at 7pm at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home and Thursday morning at Immaculate Conception from 10am until the start of Mass.