Mary Bernadette Smith

Mary Bernadette Smith obituary, Dalton, GA

Mary Bernadette Smith

Mary Smith Obituary

Visit the Ponders Funeral Homes-Melrose Chapel - Dalton website to view the full obituary.
Mrs. Mary Bernadette Cooper Smith, age 76, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, Georgia.

Mary was born June 2, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the daughter of the late Wylie and Edna Lucus Cooper. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bucky Cooper.

Mary was a hard worker who truly enjoyed staying busy. She loved shopping, but most of all she cherished spending time with her family. Mary dedicated much of her life to working in human services, where she found purpose in helping and caring for others.

Mary is survived by her husband, best friend, and the love of her life for over 30 years, Steve Smith; daughter, Andrea Bridger of Johnson City, Tennessee; brother, Mack Cooper of Nashville, Tennessee; and sister, Rosie Bailey of Church Hill, Tennessee.

Per Mary's wishes, she will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721. For more information, please visit www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Mary Bernadette Smith, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Memorial Donation

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Ponders Funeral Homes-Melrose Chapel - Dalton

138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721

Make a Donation
in Mary Smith's name

How to support Mary's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more