Mary M. Smith

Mary Melinda Smith, daughter of the late Charlie Brown, Sr. and LeVater Miles Brown was born on May 7th, 1919 in Lumberton, North Carolina. Mary quietly departed this life and joined the heavenly angels and her Creator on March 17th in Baltimore Maryland.She received her education in Robenson County, Fairmont, North Carolina and then moved to Durham, N.C. to pursue a nursing career. She graduated from Chapel Hill Memorial Hospital Nursing School, in Chapel Hill, N.C., as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Mary loved nursing and worked as a nurse until her retirement. She worked for several local hospitals including Lincoln Hospital and Duke University before she finally retired from Old Watts Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Mary married the former Walter Smith. They together adopted a daughter, Brenda Kaye Smith, who also preceded her in death. Baptized in Christ and faith filled, Mary joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as a young woman and was a dedicated member for many years. She loved her church family and was a member of the University Assembly, #218, Order of the Golden Circle and was past President of the Senior Choir.Mary was very active and took great pride in the organizations that she belonged to. She was a member of Prospect Chapter #379, Order of the Eastern Star, past Worthy Matron and Zamzafa Zafa Court #41, Daughter of Isis. Gardening and planning cookouts with family and friends at her home was her favorite past time. She cherished going to her family reunions and calling to mind old time friends. In her later years, Mary’s health began to fail and she moved to Baltimore, Maryland to be cared for by her sister, Christine. She leaves to mourn two sisters, Christine Gray Birch of Baltimore Maryland and Elder Effie Carmichael of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Mary was one of twelve children, nine of which preceded her in death, seven brothers, Charlie, Jr., Arthur, Moses, Willie, John Henry, James and Willie C. Brown; two sisters, Emma Carmichael and Blanche Lee Brooks. She also leaves a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mary M. Smith

May 7, 1919 - March 17, 2007