Mary Margaret Smith

Mary Margaret Smith entered the world on April 1, 1929, during a flood in the rustic countryside of Harms, Tennessee, just outside of Fayetteville. She had a loving family home with her parents, the late Cornelius and Mary Louise Griffin Wilson, and her only sibling Edna Wilson. She developed many talents growing up in a small farming town, including singing, sewing, fishing, cooking, and playing the piano.

Mary Margaret accepted Christ in her youth, worshipping at Mary’s Chapel in Fayetteville, Tennessee. She believed, “With God, all things are possible,” and lived her life accordingly.

After graduating from Lincoln County High School, Mary later moved to Nashville, Tennessee. In Nashville she met the love of her life, Aaron Smith, who preceded her in death. They were married on May 3, 1952, and shared 54 wonderful years together. To this union, four daughters were born; Glenda Smith White, Cheryl Ingram (Jerry), Juanita Smith, Jacqueline Terry (Kenneth).

Mary and Aaron were members of Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Mary served in the Usher Board, Senior Choir, United Methodist Women, Family Ministry, and as a Women’s Sunday School teacher. Mary also served as Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star. Mary was a woman of remarkable talents and had a heart full of caring for others. She was a trained cosmetologist and became a Licensed Practical Nurse through the Tennessee State University/General Hospital Nursing Program. Mary was honored as one of Nashville Memorial Hospital’s Employee of the Month. Much of her nursing career was spent in gynecology (OB/GYN), where she lovingly supported mothers and newborns. One memorable night she even delivered a baby herself when time did not allow for a doctor to arrive. Mary also received an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification. Aaron and Mary enjoyed being active through the Memorial Hospital Bowling League. After retiring from nursing, Mary remained active in Nashville Memorial Hospital OB/GYN Retirees Group.

Mary’s hobbies always reflected her love for her family. She was an excellent cook. She would often say, “When you cook, put the love in it”. There are many who can attest to the awesome goodness of her chess pies and amazing peach cobblers made from peaches she canned from trees that Aaron planted in their backyard-not to mention her fried chicken, beef stew, biscuits, and just about anything she cooked. She was also an excellent seamstress and quilter. Mary created dresses for her four girls without patterns. She had a saying, “Take what you’ve got, and make what you want”. She was a true phenomenal Proverbs 31 woman.

Mary was an avid fisherman as well, and she taught all of her kids how to fish. She called it her peaceful time. It didn’t matter if she caught anything but, she often caught the limit. She simply loved the experience of being at the lake. Her prize catch was a five-and-a-half pound wide-mouthed bass, which she had mounted and proudly displayed on the wall in her bedroom.

Along with her children, Mary leaves to cherish her memory her only sibling, Edna Gustus (widow of Leroy), of Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren, Christina White, Stephanie Francois (Felix), Kandis Ingram, Amber Watkins (Clarence), and Ariana Main (Noah); twelve great- grandchildren, Briana White, Gayland Thompson (Kiarra), Brittney Wilson (DeSean), Alyssa Robinson, Aaron White, Clarence Watkins III, Gabriel Watkins, Jahlisa Watkins, Charlie Watkins, Thunder Main, Legion Main, and Noah Francois; twelve great-great grandchildren, J’ana Currie, John Currie III, Jeremiah White, Quinncy White, Juliana White, Aubriana White, Ja’Khylenn Thompson, Promise Thompson, Kyleigh Gonzalez, Lailah Wilson, Lailani Wilson, DeSean Wilson Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.