Mary J. Smith

Mary Jane Smith passed away peacefully on February 24,2026 at Bell Trace Health and Living Center in Bloomington Indiana. In her final days, she was surrounded by love from her family and friends. She was born June 4,1956 to Oscar and Laura Bell (Capps) Smith in Monroe County Indiana.

Mary has been a lifelong active member of the Stonebelt community and has made so many friends and special memories through her involvement in the Special Olympics. She was very creative and enjoyed painting and selling her artwork through shows with Stonebelt. Her artwork was featured at Bryan Park on the gates to the playground area and at intersections around town. Music was also something she enjoyed tremendously whether it was playing tambourine or listening to the radio. She had a large collection of old time Country music but also enjoyed the newer stuff. It was through Stonebelt that Mary met and became lifelong friends with Terry Simpson when they were teenagers. When it was "their time" they found love and happiness with each other and entered a committed, spiritual relationship that brought them so much happiness in the years they have been together. They shared a special little fur baby, Lucy.

Mary had a lifelong love of learning and spent a lot of time working with tutors from the VITAL literacy program at the Monroe County Library. She had such a passion for books and reading. She has volunteered at the local animal shelter and had many, many animals throughout her life. She had a special place in her heart for Mama cats and kittens.

In addition to her partner, Terry Simpson and her amazing house manager, Sara; Mary will be lovingly remembered by a devoted sister-in-law, Sherry Smith, special brother-in-law, Larry Moore along with many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Her special friend, Sandy Sluss, has been a constant companion for many, many years.

Along with her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brother Fred Smith and sisters Wyoma Hudson, Christine Harmon, Bonnie Smith and Irene Moore. She was also preceded in death by nephews Alan Jay Harmon, Randy Harmon and great nephews Michael Cazee and Nathaniel Smith.

The family would like to thank the Bell Trace staff for the fantastic care they provided for Mary during her time there. She also had the most special roommate, Nancy. Southern Care Hospice has been incredible in the last couple of months, and we appreciate you so much. To the Stonebelt staff and all her friends, we thank you for loving and caring for Mary Jane all these years. Remember, we WILL see her sweet smile again!