Mary Buxton Smith

Mary Buxton Smith, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2021, just a week after celebrating her 100th birthday in a Zoom celebration with her many beloved nieces and nephews. Mary was a lifelong resident of Richmond. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years Virgil W. Smith, parents Ernest and Lucy Buxton, brother Ernest Buxton, Jr., sisters Nannie Buxton and Elizabeth Buxton Howell, nephew Ernest Buxton, III, and niece Jane Buxton Paddock. She is survived by nieces Anna Buxton Blabey and Elizabeth Howell Herrmann, nephew Alton Howell, Jr., many great-nieces and nephews, and many great-great nieces and nephews. A talented musician, Mary taught violin, piano, and voice. She was the first graduate in Voice from Westhampton College (‘41) where she double-majored in French. Mary performed violin-piano duets with her sister Betty for over 60 years. A long-time member of First Baptist Church, Mary participated in leading worship through various choirs and violin. She also composed cantatas for church choirs that she directed at Stukeley Hall Baptist Church for 32 years, and served as a deacon with her husband. Mary wrote poetry, loved crossword puzzles, and enjoyed watching golf on television. Mary’s disposition was always pleasant. She was a kind and gentle soul who had a great sense of humor and a love for good food enjoyed with family. Nieces and nephews remember fondly the amazing vegetable garden she and Virgil grew, eating corn fresh off the stalk, and having family dinners on their screened-in porch. A graveside service will be held at Westhampton Cemetery at Patterson and Gaskins roads at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 15th. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to “First Baptist Church” (2709 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23220), either online or by check with memo to read “Community Missions.” Funds will be used to feed and clothe Richmonders in need.