Mary Ann Smith

MARY ANN SMITH died June 17, 2008 at the age of 81. She was born in Jefferson City, Missouri to Lee E. Williams and Mary Ann Boone Williams. The family lived in Danville, VA and Trafalgar, IN before moving to Edinburg, Texas in 1937. Her parents, two older brothers, Daniel Henry Williams, Lee Robert Williams and first- born son, James Richard (Dick) Smith preceded her in death. Mary Ann married James Richard Parker in 1944. One son, Dick, was born after the premature death of his father. She married James W. Smith, who adopted Dick and this union was blessed with three additional children, Suzi, Becky and Hut. Following J.W.'s death, she married Thomas R. Smith and lovingly acquired five additional children, Garry, Kathy, Melinda, Laurel and Gail bringing the total to nine. Mary Ann and J.W. raised their children in Donna, Mc Allen and Corpus Christi, Texas. Mary Ann was active in PTA, McAllen Junior Service League and other civic and school activities related to raising their children. Mary Ann also gave frequent book reviews and served on various boards for the YWCA & Needy Families. After J.W. Smith became ill, she returned to the Rio Grande Valley and became a Vice-President of the McAllen State Bank. Upon retirement, she moved to the Hill Country and owned and operated Guadalupe Woods Unfinished Furniture. Mary Ann was a member of the PEO Sisterhood for over 50 years. For many years, she and Tom were members of Riverhill Country Club where she was active in both the RWA and RWGA. An avid golfer and enthusiastic watercolor artist, she also loved big family celebrations. Together, she and Tom traveled extensively and danced at every opportunity. They made their church home at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Kerrville. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Tom, daughters, Suzi Smith Warzecha (Newton) of Goliad, Becky Smith White (Bill) of Kerrville, son, Hut Smith (Theresa) of Houston and daughter-in-law, Judy Webb-Smith of Kerrville. She is also survived by her acquired children, Garry Smith (Becki), Kathy Bronstad, Melinda Lober (Jim) all of Houston, Dr. Laurel Eckhardt (Dr. Mike Young) of Old Tappan, NJ and Dr. Gail Eckhardt (Dr. Steve Britt) of Evergreen, CO and special "niece-daughter", Pamela Smith Steward (Billy) of Houston. 23 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Kerrville, Texas at 2pm, Friday, June 20th. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the PEO Sisterhood, a philanthropic, educational organization for women, Chapter HM, c/o Rebecca Williamson, P. O. Box 260, Hunt, Texas, 78024.