Ms. Mary R. Smith

Obituary For Ms. Mary R. Smith

Ms. Mary R. Smith was born on November 16, 1932, in Barnesville, Georgia, to the late Mr. Gary Rutland and Mrs. Mattie Oneal Rutland. From an early age, Mary showed love and gratitude to everyone she encountered.

Mary received her education in Barnesville, Georgia, and was a lifelong learner. She later worked for several years at Gordon College.

Mary had a deep and unwavering faith in God. If you spoke with her, conversations often centered on His goodness. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Sugar Hill Church, which later became Parker Chapel AME Church. In her later years, she became a member of Fresh Manna Ministries. No matter the challenges she faced, her faith never wavered. Even in her final days, she called on the name of Jesus and spoke of God’s greatness.

Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply. She had a special way of showing love to each of her children and grandchildren, always making them feel valued and appreciated. She enjoyed cooking, caring for her animals, and spending time in her yard. Gardening brought her great joy, and she took pride in her flowers and fruit trees. Her favorite saying was, “Give me my flowers while I’m living.” She truly lived that sentiment, surrounding herself with beauty and nurturing all that she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her eleven siblings; one son, Alfred Smith, Jr.; one granddaughter, Jennifer Smith; one grandson, Joshua Sullivan; and one great-great-grandson, Axel Allen.

Those left to cherish her sweet, loving, and God-filled memories are her children: Mary A. Demons of Meansville, GA; Betty J. Murray of Barnesville, GA; Lillian Moore of Griffin, GA; Carlton Smith (Brenda) of Milner, GA; Johnny Smith and Elinda Smith, both of Barnesville, GA; and a special addition to the family, Jimmy Brown (Nicole) of Barnesville, GA, who lovingly called her “Mama” and treated her as his own mother; fourteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss her dearly.

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