Mary Ann (Stilwell) Smith

Mary Ann Smith, 83 of Monroe, NC, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, April 6, 2012 after a long illness. Mary Ann was born in Charlotte, NC on March 17, 1929 daughter of the late Donald and Betty Stilwell. She graduated with a teaching degree from Women's College in Greensboro, NC in 1951 and married the love of her life Roy C. Smith, Jr. of Monroe, NC on June 9 of that same year. After a brief career as a classroom teacher, she began her lifelong labor of love as the instructor of her 5 children. She was also employed by the Monroe Department of Recreation as a ceramics instructor for 29 years. Mary Ann dearly loved her church family and was actively involved in the bell choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by two children; Roy C. Smith III (Trip) and Mary Katherine Smith (K.K.). Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 63 years, Roy C. Smith Jr., her 3 remaining children, Deborah Joyner of Charlotte, NC, Elizabeth Johnson of Lafayette, LA , William Smith of Monroe, NC, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and a multitude of loving extended family. A memorial service will be held 2:30 pm Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe 302 E. Windsor St. Monroe, NC 28112, burial will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:15 pm at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for the music department of the First Presbyterian Church on 302 E. Windsor St. in Monroe has been established. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Smith family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Published online on April 9, 2012 courtesy of Gordon Funeral Service, Inc. .