Mary Louise Smith, age 97, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, at Charlotte Stephenson Manor under the care of Hospice of Lenawee.
Mary was born in October 1928 in Coshocton County, Ohio, the daughter of John and Catherine Marie (Duve) Lyons. When Mary was three weeks old, her father, John, passed away, leaving her mother to raise Mary and her brother, Jim. Mary and Jim share the same birth date with Jim being three years older.
At age seven, Mary’s family moved to Adrian, MI to be closer to her mother’s family. In Adrian, Mary met many childhood friends, who became lifelong friends. Mary graduated from Adrian High School as her class Valedictorian in 1946. She went on to attend Bowling Green State University, graduating in 1950. She entered the workplace, but returned to school at Adrian College, earning her teaching degree. Mary loved teaching, starting out at McKinley Elementary School and moving on to Alexander Elementary School for 30 years.
In 1953, Mary married the love of her life, Samuel Smith, and they shared 47 years together before his passing in 2000. Mary was very active in the community, belonging to the Adrian Garden Club, Adrian Drama Club, Tau Delta Sorority, Lenawee County Retired School personnel and the MEA-NEA. She was also a past member of the Croswell Theatre Board. For many years, Mary helped to organize the AHS Class of 1946 reunions.
In later years, Mary spent her summers on Round Lake, driving her pontoon boat and in the winter traveling with her friend, Charles Eberline. Mary’s hobbies were many; she took tap dancing lessons, played Bridge, traveled, read, wrote poetry, gardening and cooking for family gatherings. She was loyal to her favorite sport teams- the Detroit Tigers and Lions, and the University of Michigan football and basketball teams. Strong in her faith, Mary was a member of the Adrian First Presbyterian Church for 81 years.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Ann (John) Nizienski and son, James W. Smith; nieces, Valerie (William) Hall and Gretchen Smith; and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Wilton “Doc” Greengo; husband, Samuel R. Smith; brother, CPL James R. Lyons who was killed in action on Iwo Jima in 1945; sister-in-law, Bonnie Lou Smith Robinson; and nephew, David Smith.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at noon at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian; with funeral services beginning at 1 PM with Dr. Scott Elliott officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Adrian, Kitchen Fund. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.