Mary Elizabeth Whitten Smith, 93, was welcomed to heaven with open arms by her husband, John, her mother, Mamie Hamilton, her father, Arnice Whitten, her sister, Delores Vega, her brothers, William Whitten and Frank Callahan, and her son, Larry Hooper on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Always the caregiver, she cared for her mother for many years and then her husband until his death. It was hard for her to accept she needed the care when she got older. She was the best role model as a mother, nana, sister, and aunt anyone could ever ask for.
Mother was in church anytime the doors were open, usually, 30 minutes before services began. Very active in ladies classes, VBS, and Sunday school. We are very appreciative of Mary Babin, Lou Powell, Paula Heard and Bill Baker for their visits and support. She was always supportive of her three daughters. Whether it was softball games, selling peanuts at WBCS football games for the cheerleaders or helping with grandchildren whenever called upon.
Her career in retail, began early at Baker Shoes in downtown Birmingham and then at Bargain Town U.S.A. as Office/Account manager until her retirement. She was always quick with a story, or one liner and her sense of humor never left her.
Mary is survived by three daughters, Vickie Love (Norman, Jr.), Debbie Thompson (Joe), and Ginger Smith; sister, Anne Hagwood (Tommy); brother, JL Whitten; Grandchildren, Michelle Ames (David), Norman Love III, John Thompson (Mary), Jessica Thompson (Blake), and Andrew Thompson (Jamie), Tim, Jenny and Stacey Hooper and a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
We are sad she has left us, but she is in a much better place among family and friends.
A visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Mary will be laid to rest in Southern Heritage Cemetery.
