Mary Louise (Mary Lou) Smith (nee Atkins), age 75, of Wickliffe, Ohio passed away January 29, 2022. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Arthur Lee Smith, and her children Arthur (Joan) Smith, Jr. and Heather (Bryan) Schreiber, and grandchildren Adriana (Kyle) Stewart and Candyce (Max) Beal, Gavin and Nolan Schreiber. As well as great grandsons Jackson and Konnor. Preceding her in death were her two beautiful sons, Phillip and Mark Smith, father James Atkins, mother Virginia “Pinkie” Harless and brothers Rick and Bruce Harless.
Born February 1, 1946, Mary grew up in Olcott, West Virginia where she met and married the love of her life, Arthur Lee Smith. The two decided to move to Ohio and bought a home in Wickliffe where Mary worked as a reading center aide at Wickliffe Middle School. She enjoyed her job and working with the teachers. She made some great friends during her employment at Wickliffe Schools until she retired.
But what she loved most of all was her family. On February 11, she and Art would have celebrated 60 years of marriage. She spoke often of their great love. How he walked her home from a baseball game, which was miles from his home. They walked. They talked. And they fell in love. And what a great love it was. The kind most only read or hear about. But luckily for them, they both were blessed with it. They taught their children that love doesn’t always come easy. That there are ups and downs. But it’s always worth fighting for.
Her husband’s sisters and brothers became her very best friends. Clara, Sue and many others welcomed her into their family. She loved them all very deeply. They traveled and celebrated holidays together.
She also enjoyed the great hunt for treasure at a garage, yard or estate sales. She had an amazing eye for jewelry and once sold a piece of jewelry for thousands of dollars that she originally had bought for only 25 cents. She also had a passion for reading. She spent many nights up until 3 in the morning so she could finish a good book.
Family to receive friends Friday, February 4, 10am – 12pm at DeJohn Funeral Home located at 28890 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, Ohio. Funeral services will begin promptly at 12pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Western Reserve. They have been a tremendous help to our family, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everything they’ve done to support us.
Charity Name: HOSPICE OF THE WESTERN RESERVE INC
Charity EIN: 341256377
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Jeff Green
Again I am so grateful for meeting Mary on several occasions. May she Rest In Peace. My condolences to Art and the rest of the family. – Jeff Green
Mary Briguglio
Heather and family, I am so very very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed every minute that I got to be around your mom. She was such a nice lady; very genuine. Again, my condolences to the whole family. Rest in peace Mary. You will be missed.
Louise Ruffner
Mary was a very dear friend.
I always enjoyed talking to her, she was a very wise and down to earth woman.
May she Rest In Peace
It was a true joy to know her.
Louise Ruffner
May she Rest In Peace
Mary was a good friend. I always enjoyed talking to her.
She and Art were very kind to me after my husband passed away.
She will be missed ❤️
Carol Harless Fields
So sorry for the loss of your wife, mother and friend. I am thankful that she was my sister in-law. Prayers for all who loved and will miss her. Till we meet again on the other side.
Kathy Thaxton Smith
So sorry for the loss of Mary Lou. Such a sweet person. My mother Dorothy thought so much of her nieces and nephews.❤
Dewanna Flowers - Harrison
So sorry for your loss. I love Marylou as a sister she was a wonderful lady. She will be missed dearly. Love and prayers.
Wendy Scott
My deepest sympathy to the Smith family for your loss. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Wendy Scott
My deepest sympathy to the Smith family for your loss. May happy memories of your loved one bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Kara Maruszak
Deepest condolences from the Maruszak family.
Candace Banks
Art, Heather, Bryan, Gavin, Nolan, all Mary’s family. Gary and I are so sorry. Earth is poorer, heaven richer to have Mary. I’m sure she’ll liven up the place. She was, and is, a truly generous soul.
Bob Aufuldish
Art. Dee I are so sorry to read of Mary’s passing.
We wanted to attend her wake. Unfortunately our driveway was not plowed until later
I want to thank you and Mart for being so kind to me when I asked for your help.
God Bless
Bob & Dee Aufuldish