Mary Jane Smallwood

MARY JANE SMALLWOOD, age 94, passed away Tuesday, the 7th of July 2009, in McKinney, Texas. Mary Jane was born the 7th of June 1915, in Coolidge, Texas. She spent most of her child and young adulthood in Waco, Texas and it was there she attended Baylor University. She had a 19 year career in the Foreign Language Department, Bellaire High School, HISD. She and her husband, Robert Clarke Smallwood, Jr., lived in the Sharpstown Community of Houston, in a home that Robert designed and built in 1953. They had four children, Dennis Davis, Dean Davis, Jane Smallwood True and Robert Smallwood. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Robert, in December 2008. Mary Jane is survived by her brother, Eddie; four children; eight of nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mary Jane was a charter member of Sharpstown Baptist Church, where she attended the Mary Martha Sunday School Class, the F.A.S.T. Club and the craft class, all of which played a meaningful part in her life. In addition, Mary Jane spent much of her time gardening and quilting but seemed to be the happiest when her family was gathered around her and she could cook for them. The funeral service will be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 12th of July, in the chapel of Sharpstown Baptist Church, 7000 Bellaire Boulevard in Houston, where Pastor Mike Jeter will officiate. The family will receive guests during the one o'clock hour prior to the funeral service. Immediately following the service, the family will gather for a private interment ceremony at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Avenue in Houston. In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorial donations in memory of Mary Jane may be directed to Sharpstown Baptist Church, 7000 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77074.