With hearts filled with gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Mother Mary Dean Smith, affectionately known by those who loved her as "Sweet Baby" and "Pooh Pooh." Born on February 21, 1927, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the daughter of Mr. Levy and Bessie Diggs, and she attended school at Pebble Hill. Mother Mary has been a living testament to God's grace, enduring love, unwavering faith, and the strength of family. Her life has been measured not merely in years, but in the countless lives she touched, prayers she offered, meals she shared, lessons she taught, and generations she inspired.

Mother Mary was the beloved wife of the late Robert Lee Smith Sr., with whom she built a beautiful legacy rooted in faith, love, hard work, and perseverance. Together they were blessed with eleven children, each carrying forward the values they faithfully instilled. Their family continued to grow through their grandchildren, who remain a living testimony of their enduring legacy.

• Eula Wilson (Roger) – Tarchie and Demond

• Daisy Ivory (Jack) – Katrina and Mary

• Robert Smith – Wayne, Robert Jr., Deandre, and Adolphus

• Josephine Moore – James, Evelyn, and Victor

• Levi Smith (Josephine) – Ivel, Tina, and Travis

• Willard Smith (Eleanor) – Ronald, Precious, Willard Jr., Tyvenia, and Lexis

• Claritha Ross (Leroy) – Danielle

• Ona Hunter (Joe) – Francisco and Quodrayle

• Bobby Smith – Tony and Tyneshia

• Joseph Smith – Joseph Jr. and Sharon

• Sarah Davis (Benny) – Demareo and Kyara

Mother Mary experienced both immeasurable joy and profound loss throughout her lifetime. She was preceded in death by her parents Levy and Bessie Diggs, her siblings Elizabeth, Sarah, Pansy, Levy Jr, and Richard Sr. Her devoted husband, Robert Lee Smith Sr.; her beloved children, Eula Wilson, Robert Smith, Josephine Moore, Levi Smith, and Willard Smith; and her cherished grandchildren, Tarchie and Victor. Though their earthly journeys ended before hers, their memories remained forever treasured in her heart.

As the Matriarch of the Smith family, Mother Mary's greatest accomplishment was never found in possessions or titles, but in the family she nurtured and the foundation she built. Through her love, wisdom, prayers, and steadfast example, she helped shape a family that now spans five generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren. What began with eleven children has flourished into a legacy that continues to grow with each passing generation. Her influence lives on in every family member who proudly calls her "Grandma," "Mama," "Sweet Baby," or "Pooh Pooh."

Mother Mary faithfully served for decades as one of the respected Mothers and Deaconesses of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Her walk with Christ was evident in the way she loved others, served her church, encouraged those in need, and remained steadfast in her faith through every season of life. She demonstrated that true greatness is found in humility, kindness, prayer, and faithful service. Her faith was not only something she professed, it was something she faithfully lived every day.

Anyone who ever visited Mother Mary's home quickly discovered that it was much more than a house; it was a sanctuary of warmth, comfort, laughter, delicious meals, heartfelt conversations, and unconditional love. Her doors were always open, her table always had room for one more, and her heart always found space for another soul. Family gatherings were richer simply because she was there. Whether offering a comforting word, a warm meal, or simply her presence, Mother Mary made everyone feel like family.

While her faith anchored her life, her joyful spirit made life worth celebrating. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, sharing stories, laughing together, and making memories that would last a lifetime. She enjoyed music, dancing, and embracing life's happy moments. Those who knew her best often smiled and affectionately called her a "Bad Mama Jama," because even with grace and dignity, she knew how to have fun and remind everyone that joy is one of God's greatest gifts. She taught us that a faithful life can also be a joyful life.

Her story is one of resilience, sacrifice, faith, laughter, and unconditional love. She leaves behind far more than memories; she leaves a living legacy. Her fingerprints can be found on generations of lives that have been shaped by her wisdom, compassion, generosity, unwavering belief in the importance of family, and steadfast trust in God.