Marie Mims Smith

Marie Mims Smith’s story began on February 11th in 1937, in the quiet, close-knit town of Satin, Texas. Born to Pete and Carrie Mims, she was raised in a home where faith, love, and perseverance were not just taught—they were lived. From an early age, Marie carried herself with a quiet strength and a generous spirit that would define the rest of her life.

She valued education as a pathway to growth and service. She graduated from Dunbar High School in Lubbock, Texas, and continued her studies at Huston-Tillotson University in

Austin, TX where she developed greater confidence and direction. After relocating to Dallas, she pursued her passion by enrolling in Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Academy,

earning her beauty license.

She faithfully served the Dallas Independent School District for many years, touching countless lives with her kindness and dedication before retiring with a legacy of service.

As she grew, her faith became the cornerstone of her journey. In Lubbock, Texas, she became a devoted and faithful member of St. Luke Baptist Church. There, she learned the value of service—not for recognition, but for the simple purpose of lifting others. That same spirit followed her into a new chapter of life when she married Curtis W. Smith, the love of her life for 72 years.

Together, they made their home in Dallas, Texas, where they joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church. It didn’t take long for Marie to become a pillar of the church community. She didn’t just attend—she poured herself into every corner of ministry life. Whether she was serving as a Deaconess, greeting worshippers as part of the Usher Boards, mentoring youth, preparing meals on the Culinary Committee, or working within the Women’s Mission,

Marie’s presence was steady, warm, and deeply impactful.

But perhaps her greatest joy was working with young people. She believed in their potential even before they could see it themselves. As a Girl Scout troop leader, she gave her time, her wisdom, and her heart—guiding, encouraging, and shaping lives alongside dear friends Betty Mitchell, Willie Dean Johnson, and the late Barbara Record. To those children, she wasn’t just a leader, she was a source of inspiration, discipline, and love.

Marie was an avid sports fan, forever supporting America’s Team the DALLAS COWBOYS.

Her life was not without loss. She carried the memory of her parents, Pete and Carrie; her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Jewel and Lonnie Love; and her sister, Loretta Mims, in her heart. Yet even through grief, she remained anchored in faith and family.

Marie Mims Smith’s legacy was not only seen in what she accomplished, but also in the family left to cherish her memories husband Curtis W. Smith; two daughters Bonita (Churncey) Edmond and Kimberly Smith of Dallas, TX; she nurtured with love a son Williams (Yvonne) Jones of Tacoma, WA; God-Son Willie Gray of Dallas, TX. Her love took root and flourished through her grandchildren, LaTosha (Elmer) Rogers, Corey (Simone) Smith and William (Sanna) Jones Jr., whose lives reflected the values she held dear. Even more, her great-grandchildren RaGene’ Warren, Favian Comanche, Tomyia Williams, Cayla, Courtney, Cori Kendall, Corian Smith, and Majid Jones along with a great-great grandson Keziah Warren who brought her immeasurable joy—their laughter echoing as a beautiful reminder of the love she had sown so faithfully over the years. Each moment spent with them was a treasure, and she poured into them wisdom, warmth, and unwavering affection.

Her love extended far beyond her immediate family. Marie held a special place in her heart for her one and only nephew Marcus Love (Rhonda) with three great-nephews, Evan, Jon’Ellis, and Jayden Love all of Houston, TX. She had a fond loving relationship with her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Maryann and Leonard Biscoe of Michigan. While maintaining a close and loving relationships with her cousins—Shirley Canady, Georgeann Hereford, and Lawrence Oneal of Lubbock, Texas; Matilda Terry of Dallas, Texas; and Alfred Mims, Jr. of Waxahachie, Texas. No matter the distance, family was always near to Marie’s heart, and she made sure they felt it.

Marie Mims Smith lived a life of service, faith, and unwavering love. She didn’t seek the spotlight, yet her light touched countless lives. In every meal she prepared, every child she encouraged, every prayer she whispered, she left behind something lasting, a legacy of compassion, strength, and devotion that will continue to shine through all who knew and loved her.

PROVERBS 31: 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her work bring her praise at the city gate.