Mary Anne Thomas Smith left her earthly body and joined her beloved husband, Ed, on May 7, 2026, after 92 years of serving her church and family.

Mary Anne was born December 2, 1933, in Columbia, Tennessee, to James Stewart and Okie Thomas. Mary Anne graduated from Marshall County High in 1952 and went to Nashville to attend David Lipscomb College to “find a fine Christian husband.” She found just that in Edgar Eugene Smith. After graduating in 1956, they married on August 23, 1956. The newlyweds lived in Nashville and Charlottesville, Virginia, before settling in Huntsville, Alabama. There, the Smiths grew their family with four boys: Eddie, Bart, Stewart, and Tim. The family enjoyed RV trips around the country and being active members of Memorial Parkway Church of Christ.

After “the fellow of her dreams” died in 1977, Mary Anne raised her four boys and began substitute teaching before going back to school at Alabama A&M to get a teaching certificate. She became the Food Service Manager at Huntsville Middle School, a position she enjoyed until retiring in 1998.

Upon retirement, Mary Anne became a full-time caretaker to her mother and mother-in-law. Mary Anne also stayed busy “grandmothering” her nine grandchildren. Despite them being spread across three states, Mary Anne made sure to attend as many ball games, swim meets, and musicals as possible.

Mary Anne will be remembered for her dedication to her church: driving elderly members to service, always having homemade rolls for potlucks, and volunteering in the nursery. She also was adamant about giving blood, donating gallons until her doctor cut her off in her 80’s.

Mary Anne enjoyed cooking (seldom using a recipe), arranging flowers, swimming, and figuring out who is related or connected to others. She will be remembered for giving back to others, being a friend to all, and welcoming strangers.

Mary Anne is survived by sons Edgar Eugene Jr., Barton Thomas (Linda Lurker), Stewart Prince (Cherie Bandy), and James Timothy (Carmen Lipham), grandchildren Alex (Martha Hinchey Smith), Marissa, Kelsey Smith, Madeline (Robert Sinners), Timothy (Carla Cardosa), Matthew, Mary Beth, Emily, and Nicki (Stephen Sauls). Great-grandchildren Victoria Kate, Lennon, Walton, Grace, Beckett, Zeke, Scarlet, Elysa, and Henrique.

Mary Anne is preceded in death by her beloved husband Edgar Eugene, parents James Stewart and Okie Brown Thomas, brother James Stewart Thomas Jr., sister-in-law Ann Thomas, mother-in-law Hazel Prince Smith, and grandson Jackson William.

Mary Anne will be cremated and laid to rest beside her husband at Maple Hill Cemetery. A visitation with Mary Anne’s family will be on May 16th at 2 p.m. at Berry Hill Funeral Home. Her funeral will follow at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Red Cross or AGAPE of North Alabama.