MARY OLIVIA (WALTON) SMITH aka "May", age 75, transitioned from this life on Friday, November 8, 2024, with the love of her life, James Smith next to her.

MARY(May) was born in Lima, Ohio on July 20, 1949, to the proud parents Cread and Virginia (King) Walton Sr. From this blessed union, Mary was the baby girl, 7th of 8 children.

Mary was united in marriage to the love of her life James L. Smith on October 20, 1973.

She was a proud and devoted mother to son Ronald and beautiful daughters, Aretha and Lashonda.

Mary attended Perry High School in Lima, Ohio. She dedicated over 35 years of her life working at Ford Motor Company, Lima Engine Plant, where her work ethic, integrity, and fellowship left a tremendous mark on her colleagues resulting in her extended work "family". Mary's work ethic was something others aspired to and something she passed on to her children.

Mary Smith wore many hats: everyone's favorite chef, chauffeur, caretaker, mentor, counselor, healer, doctor, nurse, motivator, cheerleader, secret keeper, creator, Nanny, Auntie, TeeTee, big sister (TommyLee), baby sister, cousin, friend, coworker and most of all the best Wife & Mother to walk this earth. She never met a stranger, had a smile to light up a room, hilarious one liners and a way of telling you off without you even knowing it! She absolutely loved everyone and made sure you knew it.  When she hugged you, she hugged you with her whole soul. She always had a way of making her grandkids, nieces, and nephews feel like they were her favorite. You will surely hear them say still today "I am her favorite grandchild, niece, or nephew. But Shonda and I do know who the favorite child is "King Ron."

Mary enjoyed traveling, shopping, cooking and quilting. Her love for shopping was only surpassed by her talent for cooking, bringing her family together around tables filled with love and laughter. She loved teaching her kids and grandkids some of her different recipes with one of them being her favorite, chocolate chip cookies. Her home was a shelter where memories were crafted and togetherness was the main ingredient in every dish. Mary often said "If you don't cook with love - don't bother cooking. Love is the main ingredient." The smile and laughter that echoed through the halls of Mary's home was her melody, a symphony of joy that resonated with all who entered. She enjoyed ceramics and quilting at the Diva Den, where she would chat and laugh with her girlfriends. Together they traveled to quilting shows enjoying the bond of true friendship.

The essence of Mary's life was her profound devotion to her family. She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband James Smith of Lima, OH, and her children, Ronald (Claudia) Smith of Tampa, FL, Aretha (Quandis) Colvin of Columbus, OH and Lashonda Smith-Howell (Rodney) of Pickerington. Mary's legacy continued through her adored grandchildren, Jessica Brayboy (Lamari), Ciara Colvin, Justin Smith, RJ Howell (Emma), Quincy Colvin, Kaleb Smith, Kaiden Howell, Marlie Howell, and Cameron Smith and great grandson Langston Brayboy.

She is also survived by her siblings, Lou Catherine Powell of Detroit, MI, Cread Walton, Jr. of Detroit, MI, Daniel Walton of Lima, OH, Lewis "ST" (Irma Jean) Walton of Lima, OH, and Jeff Thurmond of FL; and host of nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parent's Cread Sr. and Virginia Walton, sister, Virginia (Robert) Marshall, Odell Walton Sr., and Thomas Lee "TommyLee" Walton of Lima, OH.

Home Going Services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Cleven Jones officiating.

Visitation/Wake will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service, also at the Church.

Interment:  Woodlawn Cemetery

Services entrusted to:  JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and offer condolences to the SMITH Family visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com