Mary Lou Smart

Mary Lou Smart, 85, of Bloomington, formerly of LeRoy, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at her home at the Villas of Hollybrook, surrounded by family after a courageous 2-½ year battle with pancreatic cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, September 18, 2026 at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. A visitation gathering will take place following the service from 11:00 to 1:00pm. A private inurnment will take place at Hudson Township Cemetery. Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, Bloomington, the American Diabetes Association or Illinois Cancer Care, Bloomington.

To share condolences with the family and view her online tribute, please visit EastLawnMemorial.com

She was born June 24, 1941 in Bloomington, daughter of George and Bevelyn A. Brunson Craig. She married Larry Jiles of February 26, 1960, he preceded her in death on February 6, 1977. She later married Sidney "Sid" Smart on July 1, 1978.

Surviving are her husband, Sid of Bloomington; four daughters, Julie (Danny) Trimble and Lisa (Steve) Murry, both of LeRoy, Laura Monical of Gibson City and Catherine Smart of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren, Anndrea Roberts, Katie Donovan, Adam Murry, Erin Trimble, Emily Alley and Rheanna Monical and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Donna Calhoun and one brother, George (Karen) Craig.

She was also preceded in death by one great-grandson, Carver and one sister, Susan Hinrichsen.

Mary Lou was a 1959 graduate of Lexington High School. She formerly taught Sunday School at the methodist church in LeRoy.

She was a member of the Sabina Social Club, Red Hat Society and thoroughly enjoyed her "tea time" with the ladies group at Hollybrook.

Much of Mary Lou's happiest times were spent with the love of her life, Sid, whether it be on an Alaskan cruise, sleepovers with "the grands" or their many other adventures together. Her family was her pride and joy! Mary's legacy lives on through the family she loves so deeply and the memories she has created with her children and "the grands." Mary Lou proudly saved every article, activity and award for their memory boxes. Mary Lou will fondly be remembered by her family as "Papa 2."

As much as she will be missed, her family finds much comfort in knowing she is now pain-free and watching over them.