Mary Ellen Smith

Born on November 12, 1929, in Furnas, Nebraska, she was the daughter of Thomas Clement McKillip and Agnes Mousel McKillip. Mary attended the University of Iowa, where she met her husband, Herbert (Herb). After graduation and marriage, Herb re-enlisted in the Navy for a 28-year career. During those years, they moved across the country six times for two to three-year deployments. Mary raised her children single-handedly while Herb served overseas. Their final transfer led them to Jacksonville in 1969, where they retired and put down roots. As her children reached college age, Mary returned to the workforce as a teacher at Oakhill Elementary, a position she held for 20 years. During this time, she also earned a master’s degree in education from Jacksonville University.

Mary remained very active throughout her retirement. She enjoyed playing bridge, visiting friends at the Life Center, practicing Tai Chi, and participating in the Garden Club of Venetia. Even in her late 80s, she maintained a habit of walking 10,000 steps a day. Above all, she cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. A doting grandmother, she leaves behind wonderful memories of special breakfasts, poolside cookouts, and slumber parties.

She is survived by her son Herbert (Bert) and his wife Karen; daughter Carrie Bodden and her husband Geoff; daughter Sarah Ingram and her husband Roosevelt. Grandchildren: Austin Smith and his wife Monica and their children – Emilee and Aiden; Paul Sasse and his children Jay, Lily, and Jennifer; Aaron Smith and his wife Christina and their children – Easton and Annabelle; Mary Ingram and her children – Quinton, Adrianna, Sarah, and Promise (Drew); Samantha Schnebly and her husband Mark, and Thomas Smith; Step grandchildren: Meghan Hassan, her husband Marc and their children – Lily, Majed and Mary; Stephen Wheeler and his wife Katie and their children – Abigail and Merryanne; Monica’s daughter Monica Aragon, and McKillip nieces Meghan, Julia, Katie and nephew Matthew. Mary was preceded in death by her son David, husband Herb, brothers Tom and Paul.

The family would like to thank the nurses, caregivers, and staff of Palagio Senior Living for their love, care, and devotion to our mom over these many months.

Mary will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Herb, at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.