Mary Moorer Smith, 91, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, with her family by her side in Columbia, South Carolina. She was born August 26, 1930, in Clarendon County, SC as the daughter of the late Mattie Moorer. She was preceded in death by five children, including the late Deacon L.D. Smith and Nathan Smith. A son-in-law, Johnnie “Daddy Rabbit” Hilton and a granddaughter, Rose A. Hilton.
Mary Moorer Smith attended the Manning Training School. In 1944, Mary married the love of her life, the late Deacon Clifton Smith Sr. They both planted the seed of love and created the “Smith Family” which included bearing 19 children.
Mary Moorer Smith was no stranger to hard work as she faithfully worked at the Quality Printing Company for many years, in her hometown of Manning, South Carolina. Friends and family described Mary as a quiet yet virtuous woman. The matriarch of a tribe and a soldier in the army of the Lord.
Mary loved the Lord and was rooted in the church. In her days of full health, you could catch her in a crisp pastel suit, her church hat, playing her tambourine, while giving GOD all the praise on any giving Sunday morning. She was an active member of the Fellowship Baptist Church for over 64 years, where she served as a member of the Senior Choir, on the Missionary Board, a Deaconess, and elected as “Mother of the Church”.
Mary had the spirit of a traditional grandmother as she spent countless summer days caring for many of her grandchildren. Spoiling them with her home-cooked meals, her warm beds, and surely not sparring the rod.
Mary Moorer Smith was a pillar in her community serving as an Eastern Star for many years. She was a 2019 recipient of the community awards for the Clarendon County Ministerial Alliance.
Her interests included family, cooking from the heart, sewing, and enjoying the cool breeze on her front porch.
Mary Moorer Smith is survived by her children: Leroy Smith (Shirley) of Brooklyn, NY, Lucille McFadden of Manning, SC, Dorthina Hilton of Manning, SC, John Henry Smith (Evelyn) of Manning, SC, Clifton Smith Jr. (Willa) of Davis Station, SC, Homer Smith (Sarah) of Manning, SC, Nelson Smith of Manning, SC, Isaiah Smith of Manning, SC, Albert Smith of Manning, SC, Rose Smith-Burkett of Columbia, SC, Brenda James (Joseph) of Manning, SC, Linda McCray (Darren) of Manning, SC, Ida Mae Jones (Bobby) of Manning, SC and Jeremiah Smith (Donna) of Athens, AL; one additional daughter-in-law, Shirley Smith of Paxville, SC; the family includes 71 grandchildren, 123 great-grandchildren, and a host of great-great-grandchildren, special family members include Barbara Smith, Janice Lee Walters, Joyce-Ann Smith, Timothy Burkett, and Joyce Smith.
Public viewing will be held from 2:00PM til 6:00PM Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Hayes F. Samuels. Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church Street, Manning, SC.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Hayes F. Samuels, Sr. Memorial Chapel. Dr. Sam W. Whack, Eulogist; Rev. Cedric Anderson, Rev. Ethel Lemon, Rev. Annie L. Riley and Dr. Ethel W. Sweat, assisting. Burial will follow in the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 705 West Huggins St., Manning, SC.
The family is receiving friends at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Ida (Bobby) Jones, 1286 Leo Road, Manning, SC.
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