Mary Ann Smith

Mary Ann Smith, 74, of Columbia, South Carolina, cherished wife, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 29. Mary Ann was born on June 26, 1949 in Buckenhof, Germany, to Ava S and William C. Hudson. Mary and her two siblings, sister Gloria and brother Michael, were adopted by her mother’s second husband, William A. Miller in 1962. As her father worked for the U.A. Agency for International Development, Mary Ann spent much of her youth overseas, including significant stays in India, Pakistan and the Philippines.

While living in India, Mary Ann attended the Lahore International (High) School where she met her first husband, John Randolph Smith. Following their marriage in 1968, the couple relocated to Columbia, South Carolina a city Mary Ann called home for the rest of her life.

Mary spent her entire working career with South Carolina Electric & Gas starting in 1972 as a programmer and working her way to supervisor at the time of her retirement in 2016. Outside of work, she found joy in spending time with family and friends, skiing, painting and traveling the world. Her passion for art and exploration enriched her life and those around her.

Following the death of her husband of 35 years, Bruce Yeske in 2020, Mary Ann was reunited with her first husband John Randolph Smith, himself a recent widower. Mary Ann’s final days were spent in his loving care.

Mary is survived by her brothers Michael Lewis Miller and Jerry Miller, her sister-in-law Sharon Miller, her nieces Lauren Miller and Sandy Callesto, her nephews James Callesto and Taylor Miller and her grand nieces Haley Jones, Kylee Callesto and Daniel Callesto. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ava S Miller, her husband, Bruce Douglas Yeske and her sister Gloria Hellen Mitchell.

Mary will be remembered by all whose lives she touched. Her capacity for love was unrivaled as was her energetic spirit, sense of humor and independence.

Mary Ann will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her memory will live on through the love and cherished moments she shared with those around her. May she rest in peace.