Mary Alice Smith

On July 9, 1929 a blessed event happened when Mary Alice Smith was born, the only child of the late Arlene and Robert Sanders.

 

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 just before the break of day, God sent His angels to her bedside to guide her from this earthly space to her heavenly home. The angels whispered, “You have labored long and hard in your Father’s vineyard… Your work here on earth is done. Come home and take your rest.”  It was then, Mother was loosed from the chains binding her here to earth and released to put on her long white robe, her golden slippers and board God’s chariot for her final resting place in Glory.

Rev. Mother, Mary Alice Smith lived a long, happy, and fruitful life.  She was nurtured from an early age in the Christian faith at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church where she served until, she married the love of her life, Effice Smith to which five beautiful children were born. After her union to Effice, she joined Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church and continued to serve the Lord in the Youth Department, Sunday School, Mother Board, Deaconess Board and Mission to name a few. An obedient servant to the will of God she answered His call to minister and was ordained by the late Rev. W. L Nash. Continuing her servant’s journey on to carry out the mission the Lord chose for her to preach the word, she joined Mt. Ollie Missionary Baptist Church in Potts Camp, MS and under the guidance of Rev. Clinton Knox she served faithfully as Assistant Pastor until her health became faint.

Rev. Mary Alice Smith loved people, especially young people, she had a special interest and love that didn’t go unnoticed. She and Deacon Effice Smith turned one of the family homes into a community clubhouse for young people to have a safe place for fun. She had a passion for teaching and and she taught at Liberty Hill, Philadelphia School, and ICS Head Start. 

 A motivated scholar, she obtained degrees in Social Work and Early Childhood from Rust College and the University of Mississippi. Her commitment to children lead her to come out of retirement and serve as a Teacher’s Aide and Substitute teacher with the Oxford School District. Prior to the failing of her health, 

Mother Mary was an active pillar in her community and held membership in the Order of Eastern Star, Heroines of Jericho, Golden Circle, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She also formed and orchestrated a family singing group known as the Smith Family singers, composed of her children and husband.

Mother Mary was preceded in death by her loving parents, Robert and Arlene Sanders, her faithful husband, Deacon Effice Smith, loving son, Jeffice Smith, three sons in love, Chester Smith, Willie B. Jones, and Ernie Isom. 

She leaves to celebrate her life: four daughters, Alice (Roy) Alexander, Thelma Isom of Oxford, MS,  Patricia Smith  and  Deborah (Rayford) Jackson of  Milwaukee, WI.,  daughter in love, Mary Jean Smith, two sisters in love, Beatrice Pegues, Leona (Chester) Starks of Oxford, MS. eleven grandchildren: Patti Smith, Atlanta of GA, Keenan Smith of Milwaukee WI, Debbre Jones of Oxford, MS, Qiana Smith of Pflugerville TX, Maurice (Kim) Jones, and Jason Smith of Oxford, MS, Keshna Smith, Kimberly Isom,  Krystal Isom, all of Oxford, MS, Robert (Anika) Isom of Olive Branch, MS, Shanava Smith of Oxford, MS, seventeen great-grandchildren: Landuris, IeVon, Maliq, Kierra, Kierra, Keenan, LaCrystal, Makal, Kennedy, Saniyah, Heaven, David, Brittney, Joseph, Josanah, Kwasi, Jamya and Jordan, two special grandsons: McKinley Boykin and Matthew Doss and a host of nieces, nephews, special cousins and friends.