Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

Obituary For Mary E. Smith

Mary Elizabeth Mitchell Smith was born May 2, 1935 in Martinsville, Virginia to the late Joseph Henry Mitchell and the late Gladys Wilson Mitchell. She departed this life on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 12:45 a.m. at her daughter’s home in Spring Grove, VA.

Mary graduated from Albert Harris High School, Martinsville, Virginia, Class of 1954. She held various jobs over the years to include serving as Manager of the diner in Wampler’s Drugstore. She was also employed by Bassett Furniture and Sara Lee.

She took a leave of absence to help her sister Josephine Dillard take care of her husband James Dillard when they moved from Chicago to live with her. Mary had this desire to help take care of her family when needed.

Her sister, Ressie Mitchell Anthony moved in with her before moving to hospice care; and her brother, Tyler Mitchell moved in with her until his passing. Mary was preceded in death by her four brothers, George Dana Mitchell, Joe Burke Mitchell, John Mitchell, Sr., and Tyler Mitchell and three sisters, Virginia Hairston, Josephine Dillard, and Ressie Anthony.

Mary’s favorite pastime was going to Bingo and the Casino. Her Bingo buddies were Marie Manson and Rita Barton Piggott; and her Casino buddies were Lucy Hairston, her daughter, Sharon, and her granddaughter, Sharron. Mary had a deep love for her daughter, granddaughter, and son-in-love. She also loved her nieces and nephews. She had a very special place in her heart for the late Sonya Martin, Teresa Hamlett, Mariah Carter, Nicholas Mitchell, Michelle Mitchell-Swann, and John Mitchell, Jr.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Sharon Michelle Smith Wooden (Michael) of Spring Grove, Virginia and grand-daughter, the love of her life, Sharron Kimberly Wooden of Sterling, Virginia; two adopted grandchildren, David and Megan Harrison of Midlothian, Virginia; Sisters-in-law, Bernice Mitchell, Myrtle Jewell Jones, and Connie Mitchell of Martinsville, Virginia and Bessie Smith Price of New Jersey; a cousin, Alberta Wilson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends, Jean Hairston, Ladenia Campbell, Randolph Thomas, Erica Penn, and Rita Piggott.

We will miss Mary, but we all have our special memories of her that will live on forever. We thank you mom, sis, daughter, grandma, and friend for being who you were . . . simply amazing!

~ In Appreciation ~ The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for every kindness shown during her illness and their time of bereavement. To Gentiva Hospice, thank you for being the angels that you are. Your dedication and caring nature made this an easier process for our family. To Megan Harrison, David Harrison, Renee Carter, Elaine Wooden, and Evelyn Holmes, thank you for stepping in when I needed someone to step in and sit with Mom while I ran errands. To Betty Newby and Rhonda Bradby, for being my listening ear and allowing me to talk. To Grace Presbyterian Church Congregation and Rev. Perry, for your continued prayers, cards, and calls. To Swan’s Point Baptist Church, Rev. Mitchell and Rev. Howell, for your continued prayers, cards, and calls. To Deacon Richard Hailey, for taking the time to come from Virginia Beach and pray over my Mom. May God continue to richly bless each of you.

~ Per Mary’s Request, There Will Be No Services.

Locally published by Hairston Funeral Home

Guest Book

Sharon, sending prayers for comfort and strength to you and your family. Yvonne E. Washington, Sandston, VA

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aunt mary rip in peace god has you now all together with you sisters and brother rejoicing in heaven sleep on be blessed mike

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Sharon, I was saddened to hear that your mother had passed. My thoughts are with you and the family. May God continue to comfort each of you. Carlos

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We pray that the Lord blesses and comforts you during this time. Your Mom was a special lady and we know how much she loved you. You, Mike and Sharron are in our prayers. May God Bless and keep you. Love you, Dennis and Dwanda

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Mary was a sweet lady & glad our paths crossed. Praying for you & your family Sharon🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️

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My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Serbrenia J. Sims

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA