Mary Francis Askins

Mary Francis Askins was born March 16, 1935, in Greene County, and died Oct. 10, 2025, at the Christian Care Center in Medina, Tenn., at the age of 90.

She was the sixth daughter of Benjamin Otis Askins and Gladys Mae Askins. Mary married Billie Joe Smith on July 5th, 1952, in Paragould, where they made their home. During their 47-year marriage, Mary and Billie Joe had two daughters, Diane and Kathy. Mary was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Mary was a faithful member of the Seventh and Mueller Church of Christ, where she shared her cooking and sewing skills. In her younger days, she helped provide food for many funeral meals and in her retirement days, she worked with the Care Bear program. She was a quiet, caring woman who enjoyed a peaceful life.

Mary was a graduate of Greene County Tech High School and worked until her retirement at White Shoe Company and Emerson Electric in Paragould.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Gladys Askins; her husband, Billie Joe; her daughter, Kathy Rowe; her sisters, Geneva Edwards, Kathleen Griggry, Vira Carver and Betty Breckenridge; and brother, Charles Askins.

Survivors include her daughter, Diane Smith; sons-in-law, Keith Smith and Kevin Rowe; grandchildren, Crystal (Smith) King, Cassie (Smith) Nesler, Kenna (Rowe) Holt, Joey Smith and Kyle Rowe; grandchildren-in-law, Joseph King, Nick Nesler, Nick Holt and Magen Rowe; great-grandchildren, Tyler King, Dylan King, Rowan Holt and Maggie Kate Rowe; her sisters, Faye Towell, Frankie Jetton and Shryl Bailey; and many nieces and nephews.

She was known as "Mary" by her friends, parents, and husband; as "Mary Francis" by her sisters and brother; as "Aunt Mary" by her nieces and nephews; and as "Momma" by her daughters. But her favorite name was "Mimi" as she was called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her kind, loving heart will forever be remembered.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of life for Mary on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Greene County Memorial Gardens at 11 a.m.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com.