Mary Frances Smith

Mary went peacefully to be with the Lord on January 24th. She was born in Fort Worth Texas and graduated from Lake Worth High School in 1955. Her parents were Eugene P. and Dennie R. Pritchett. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John Duke Smith, sister Betty Parsell, sons Richard Wayne Huggins (and wife Deanna) and Kyle Duke Smith. She is also survived by grandsons Devin Huggins (and wife Monica) and Patrick Huggins, great-grandchildren Shane McFarland, Sierra Huggins and Vanessa Huggins, and nephews Bill Stimmel, John Bryan Stimmel and Grady Stimmel.

Mary was a good student in school where she participated in the band as majorette, was voted Valentine sweetheart in 1954, and crowned Lake Worth High School Queen in 1955. After high school she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education from North Texas State College and a Master’s Degree from Texas Christian University. Mary taught in the Burleson school system for 30 years where she touched the lives of about 900 students. She loved them all and they returned the love. Additionally, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, served as Cub Scout Den Mother and much more. Mary’s major hobbies were traveling, reading books and playing local tennis. She was an avid reader and good tennis player. In 1983, Mary earned the first place trophy presented by the Burleson Tennis Club at the conclusion of their tournament.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Laurel Land Funeral Home located at 7100 Crowley Road in Fort Worth on Friday, February 5th beginning at 1 p.m. The Celebration will be casual. Face masks and social distance will be required because of local requirements to prevent the spreading of Covid-19. From 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. the Celebration will focus on visitation, viewing, sharing memories of Mary, and meeting her family. At 2 p.m., Dr. Jimmie Nelson will offer encouragement to her immediate family and guests who can stay. After Dr. Nelson's remarks, the burial will be held on the grounds of Laurel Land Cemetery.

There will be live streaming of the private service through Facebook Live (Mary F Smith Celebration of Life) for those that prefer to stay home during the virus epidemic.

In lieu of flowers, Mary would want any contributions in her memory be made to the Friends of the Burleson Library located at 248 SW Johnson Ave., Burleson 76028 (www.burlesonlibrary.com, 817-426-9212).