Mary Helen Deer-Smith

Mary Helen was a proud citizen of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She was raised by her grandparents Edna and Linn Pauahty in a very traditional Kiowa home. She traveled extensively with her grandparents visiting different tribal reservations, dancing at various powwows across the country and learning other tribal cultures. Mary Helen valued the lessons her grandparents taught her. She often commented it was their teaching her how to walk in two worlds that set her up for success in life.

Mary Helen graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City. Striving to continue her education she pursued a nursing degree at Bellin Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After graduating as an RN she stretched her wings and found her way to California ultimately nursing at a hospital in San Francisco.

She later followed her heart to New York City to marry Don Smith. They had two sons, Steve and Chris. Life in the ‘Big Apple’ included parenting, modeling, theatre, and of course nursing. One of her fondest memories and proudest moments was her participation as one of the founders of the American Indian Community House. She believed that New York City, specifically Manhattan needed an Indian Center and was instrumental in its development.

She returned to Oklahoma City and presented cultural seminars on tribal traditions sharing their impact on medical treatment. There were years of nursing care in hospitals and surgical centers across the city. Her professional status elevated as Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. Responsibilities as a leader now took precedent over face to face patient care. She later became the Executive Director of Dallas Intertribal Center. She moved throughout community as the Chair of the Oklahoma Native American AIDS Coalition. Service to community crossed many fields and extended beyond boundaries. Her excellence was noted and she received various service awards from the State of Oklahoma and multiple community leagues and organizations.

Mary Helen was recognized for storytelling as she related historical knowledge of the Kiowa people. Those stories have become the guide for her many nieces, nephews and grandchildren to honor, respect and carry forward the ways of our people. Her loving care for others, her service to community and her dedication to sharing her knowledge was endless and will continue from one generation to another.

Thank you for all of your care and assistance.

A visitation will be held on December 8, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Bill Merritt Funeral Service, located at 6201 Northwest 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008.

A wake is scheduled for December 9, 2025, at 7:00 pm at Angie Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 SW Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. A visitation from 5:30pm to 6:30pm is scheduled prior to the wake.

The funeral service will take place on December 10, 2025, at 10:00 am at Angie Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 SW Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Lunch will follow the service. There will be no procession to the cemetery.

The committal service will be held on December 10, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7500 W Britton Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.