Mary Annette Smith

1958 - 2021

Mary Annette Smith was born May 3, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert Smith Sr. and Essie Lee Smith. She was the oldest of five children. Two of her siblings, Robert Smith Jr. and Vernestine Lee, have preceded her in death.

Mary received her education through the Chicago Public Schools system. She went to school to become a security guard. She worked for several community businesses as a security guard and a truck driver. Mary confessed hope in Christ at an early age. She was a member of the New Home Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois, under the leadership of Reverend Mack Mccollum. Later in life, she joined the Friendship Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois, under the leadership of Reverend, Dr. Shelvin Hall.

She was united in holy matrimony to her friend, James Nelson Jr., in May of 2007 in Maywood, Illinois. They both loved driving trucks and eventually moved to Michigan City, Indiana. After a brief move to Evansville, Indiana, Mary wanted to move back to Michigan City to be near some of her grandchildren. After moving to Michigan City, Indiana, she became a member of New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jacarra Williams. Mary loved fishing, being a grandmother and shared her love with many.

She departed this life on Nov. 11, 2021, at Franciscan Health Michigan City.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at 12 noon, with viewing from 11 a.m. until time of service with Pastor Jacarra Williams to give Eulogy.

Burial to take place immediately following service at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, 5700 W. U.S. Hwy. 20, Michigan City, Indiana, 46360.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, James Nelson Jr. of Michigan City, Indiana; stepmother, Helen Smith of Suffolk, Virginia; daughter, Lynnette (Kareem) Phillips of Suffolk, Virginia; son, Demetrius Smith Sr. of Michigan City, Indiana; stepsons, James (Ashonti) Nelson of Chicago, Illinois, Jermaine (Regina) Nelson of St. Louis, Missouri, and Josh Nelson of Chicago, Illinois; stepdaughters, Jessica, Jacklyn and Jasmine Nelson, all of Chicago, Illinois; brother, Lenell Smith of Chicago, Illinois; sister, Regina (Timothy) Smith-Duffy of Apple Valley, Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Joanne Dunbar of Sycamore, Illinois, and Deletha Cole of South Holland, Illinois; grandchildren, Kailyn, Layla, Kylie, Lyah, Demetrius Jr., Cameron, Tyrese, Kyron, Kendrick, Alina, Jhasaun, Jhanaan, Jhaleel, Jocy, Jeremiah, Jenny and Jon; special friend, Angela Robinson of Chicago, Illinois; special daughters, Cindy Searles of Toledo, Ohio, and LaSharia Collier and Gisele Perry, both of Michigan City, Indiana; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary will be sorely missed by all that knew her.