Mary Thomas Carelock Smith, daughter of the late Geneva Ingram and Zack Carelock, was born November 23, 1924 in Anson County, North Carolina. She was affectionately known as "May Tom". She was educated at West Anson high School where she graduated in 1942. She was a hard worker, provider, caring, loving and respectful woman who always made a way for her family. In 1958 she moved to Boston with relatives for better jobs and opportunities. It was there that she labored and prospered. After retirement, she moved back South to Albemarle and then to Charlotte, NC. She loved to cook - especially her favorites – Chicken & Dumplings and Sweet Potato Pie. She also loved to read and follow politics on her favorite TV channel - MSNBC. She had an amazing memory.

Mary was married to Pearl Smith who preceded her in death. She was the oldest of two children. She had a long and full life, working, traveling and helping many others along the way. She lived to see four generations of her family. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, best friend and confidante to many. She was a lifelong member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church which she loved to support. No matter where she was, she would always make a way back "home" to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on the fourth Sunday of August to be with family and friends.

The Lord took her home on June 27, 2022 to join her sons, Ollie and William Smith, and her adored brother John Houston.

Mourning her Homegoing are her three daughters, Gloria Jean Lashley, Mary Linda Smith, and Marilyn Smith; two sons, Charlie Hass Carelock, and Sylvester Smith; fifteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The Homegoing Services will be on Saturday, July 9, 2022, 12:30pm, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Ansonville, North Carolina. Burial will follow in the family plot of the Church Cemetery.

The Smith Family will greet family and friends on Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 12:00-12:30pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Ansonville, North Carolina.