Mary Frances Smith

Mary Frances Smith departed this life on October 9, 2024, surrounded by her devoted daughter Angela, and loving family at Hospice of Dayton. Mary was born to George and Elizabeth Kimbrough on April 12, 1933, in Eutaw, AL. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Kimbrough, and her stepmother Cleave Lee Kimbrough; children Matthew “Baby Brother” Smith Jr., and Yolanda (Todd) Few; sisters, Anna Wilcoxson, Lula Wilson, Daisy Easter, and Lillian Turner; brothers, Samuel and Roseman Kimbrough and Clarence Lewis; two stepsisters, Sarah Jackson and Carolyn Gilliam. 

Mary was a high school graduate of Carver High School in Eutaw, AL. In her young adult years, Mary moved to Dayton, OH, and later became employed and retired from General Motors after 30+ years of service. While employed at General Motors, Mary developed close friendships with Carolyn Baldwin, Barbara Walker, Mary Elder, Wanda Adams, Cathy Lacy, Barbara Smith, Elaine Butler, the late Virginia King, the late Pat Allen, the late Florine Byrd, and the late Ophelia Harper. These ladies spent hours on the phone and showered one another with love on each of their birthdays and Christmas. Mary was a faithful member of Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church for many years where she served on the usher board.

Mary had an unconditional love for her family. She loved her family and would go up against the world defending her kids and grandkids. Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted daughter Angela (Jeffrey) Cunningham of Dayton, OH. Her seven loving grandchildren, Kristin, Tiffany (Tonio) of Dallas, TX, Kimberly, Krystal, Brittany of Dallas, TX, Kellie (John) of Detroit, MI, and Jeffrey II (Denise). She was “Big Granny” to her eleven great-grandkids, Indya, Aliya, Zy’an, Kaila, AJ, Jeffrey III, Zavier, Kyndall, Cash, Jaelle, Jaya, and one great-great-granddaughter, Layla. Sisters, Barbara Hendricks and Juanelle Hamilton of Michigan. Close friend Vivian Turner and a host of other friends and relatives. 

Funeral service 11 am Friday, October 25, 2024 at Mt. Enon Baptist Church, 1501 W. Third Street, Dayton, OH. Visitation 10 am at which time family will receive friends. Interment West Memory Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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