Mary Lynne Smith

Mary Lynne Smith, 67, born on November 22, 1958, in Hartford, CT, transitioned to her eternal home on December 7, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Mary was born to the late Eva L. Smith and Charles (Corky) Terry, Jr. Mary was raised by her mother Eva, and her adopted father, Howard J. Smith, Sr. She was an only child for 15 months, but eventually became the oldest of six children. Mary was educated in the Hartford Public school system, graduating from Hartford Public High School in 1977. She is remembered as being studious, excelling in her studies and often made honor roll. She also enjoyed writing poetry and sewing. Mary continued her education at Fox Secretarial School, Capital Community College, and took various other college courses that included effective business writing, and customer service. As a young woman, Mary was inspired by the spiritual life of Rev. and Mrs. Ezell Shelton, Sr. and thus began her journey in serving The Lord. In 2011 Mary answered her calling and started her evangelistic studies at Evans Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Norwich, CT, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Barbara J. White where Mary served faithfully for many years. Mary was ordained a Deacon in the A.M.E. Zion Church in 2016 by Bishop Mildred "Bonnie" Hines, then in 2018 she was ordained an Elder by Bishop Dennis V. Proctor. Rev. Mary Smith-Gomes (affectionately known as Rev. Mary) was appointed Pastor of the Goodwin Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Amherst, MA, by Bishop Proctor in June 2020. Throughout her 5 ½ years as pastor, Rev. Mary led her congregation in acts of kindness and outreach, significantly impacting those in need. Under her guidance, Goodwin donated to the Food Shelter and the Survival Center of Amherst; supported parents and children through the WIC program; and collected a truckload of clothing for the people of Haiti. Additionally, her church contributed to the Emergency Shelter for Families of Jessie's House during Thanksgiving. Rev. Mary also actively participated in interfaith events in the Amherst community, where she prayed, spoke, and sang along with the choir. Pastor Mary and the Goodwin Family recently hosted the Boston District 2nd Missionary Mass Meeting in Hadley, MA. It was a beautiful gathering. Rev. Mary served the District well! Mary had an extensive work history, however, her most fulfilling jobs were the ones where she assisted people in rebuilding their lives. Even while our beloved Mary served the Lord as a Pastor of a church she was an ongoing student and was employed full-time at the Connecticut Pardon Team. Mary loved people, especially her children, grandchildren and her husband. Three of her greatest gifts are her three sons: Ezell Shelton, III, Christopher Smith and Neal Foster. Mary enjoyed family gatherings. Christmas-time was special as her house would be filled with all of her grandchildren. Mary enjoyed good food and was a movie buff. Mary gave with a genuine heart, often checking in on family and friends. Mary was a passionate intercessory prayer warrior. She often spent many hours in her prayer closet where she kept the names of all those she fervently prayed for.
Mary and her husband, Aric were together for 35yrs and married for 20yrs. Mary enjoyed traveling, especially with her husband to religious conferences with gospel music blasting in the car. Mary leaves to carry on her legacy: her devoted husband Aric Gomes; her sons whom she adored, Ezell Shelton, III, Christopher Smith and Neal Foster; bonus children and grandmother: Brandon, Brian, Karina, Sherina and Lucy Foster; Stepmother: Patricia Smith of GA; Siblings: Lydia E. Smith; Nicole Wiggins (Robert) of GA; Howard J. Smith, Jr.; Yvette Smith of Washington DC; Neal A. Smith; Howard R. Smith (Rosa) of GA; Adorea Smith-Hawthorne (Daryl) of GA; Spencer Smith (Kisha) of GA; Nicole Jones; Marquette Pina; Chassidy Wooden; Elizabeth Thornton. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of loved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and many dear friends. Mary was predeceased by her grandmother Mary Neal, her parents Howard J. Smith, Sr., Eva L. Smith and her brother Charles Terry, III.
Friends and family are invited to visit on Friday, Dec. 19th from 5-7 pm at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 141 Central Avenue, Norwich. A Funeral Service and Celebration of her life will be on Saturday, Dec. 20th at the Cornerstone City Church, 248 Broadway, Norwich. There will be a chance to visit from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm with the service beginning at 12:00 pm. Chaplain Elder King will be officiating. Burial will be at a later date.