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A beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend, Mary Elizabeth Townsend Smith went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 8, 2017 at the age of 79. After suffering a stroke in June and 2 months in the hospital, she was at home with family for the last 4 weeks of her life. She was born on March 28, 1938 in Hendrix, Oklahoma.
Mary earned her teaching degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1960. She retired from teaching High School English and Speech in Iota, Louisiana in 1984 and became a Baptist Pastor's wife in Kyle, Texas, George, Iowa, Albany, Oklahoma, and Brown, Oklahoma. In between pastorates, Mary and Winston enjoyed traveling the whole United States in their motorhome, and working in Yellowstone, Park City, Utah, Maine, Branson, and Valdez, Alaska. Working in these fun places was her passion, and she loved for the kids, and grandkids to visit so she could show them around and treat them to the sights and activities. Making memories for her grandsons was her top priority.
Cooking was always a passion and she even taught several cooking classes at SE Continuing Education. Mary loved helping Shawn in the Sweet Magnolia Tea Room and The Iron Gate Cafe from 2006-2011.
She is survived by daughter, Shawn Shirey, her husband, Wayland of the home, son, Kris Smith and wife, Connie of New Iberia, Louisiana. Grandsons; Jamie Shirey of Denver, Colorado, and Ashlie, Adam Shirey of Broomfield, Colorado, and Rebekah, Barrett Shirey of Paris, Texas, and Brianna, Matthew Shirey of Silo, Oklahoma, and Becky, Cody LaFleur of Carencro, Louisiana and April, Christopher Smith of Lafayette, Louisiana and Brianna. Great grandchildren; Brayden, Brayson, Braylon, Hubbell, Aurora, Gracie, Brayden and Charlie. Sisters; Louise Ames, Sharon Hoskins and brother, Grover Townsend, and many nieces, nephews and many friends across the United States. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Winston Smith, parents M.E. "Buddy" Townsend and Lorene Townsend.
Mary was a special lady and will be greatly missed by all.
The Memorial Service will be on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11 o'clock at Silo Baptist Church.
Any memorials may be made in her memory to Gideon's International or Families Feeding Families.
Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at www.holmescoffeymurray.com.
Services are under the direction of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma.
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