Mary Catherine Smith

On July 19, 1936, a precious baby girl was born to Oscar and Louise Smith. They named her Mary Catherine Smith. As the youngest of seven siblings, Mary was affectionately known as "the baby," a title she wore with pride.

She was born and raised in Coweta, Oklahoma. Mary attended Kemper School at an early age and graduated from Booker T. Washington. She furthered her education in nursing and the medical field at vo-tech in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Her passion for helping others led her to a 30-year career in the nursing field, serving as a nurse and medical aide. Mary also worked at Coweta Public Schools, where she served as both a nurse and secretary. Mary's love for children also extended into her 15-year tenure as a daycare worker. She also worked at a restaurant, where she was called the “desert lady.”

Mary's involvement in her community extended to her unwavering faith and spiritual life. She was baptized at an early age and attended Jackson Grove Baptist Church, where she contributed her talents in singing and cooking. Mary's beautiful voice could also be heard at Wilson Chapel CME Church, where she served as a stewardess and choir member. She was truly a servant of God.

Throughout her life, Mary took great joy in attending her grandchildren's sporting events, with football games alongside her best friend, Mrs. Grace Mackey, holding a special place in her heart. Among her many hobbies and interests, Mary loved playing cards and dominoes with her great-grandchildren, fishing, gardening, and taking vacations with her family. She loved to cook and showed her love through many delicious meals. Her love for life extended to dancing and cracking jokes, always eager to share her infectious energy with those around her.

Mary's legacy lives on in her daughters, Detra Asberry-Younger of Coweta, Oklahoma and Michelle Smith-Cade (Shawn) of Coweta, Oklahoma, her son, Oscar Smith (Glenna) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 11 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who treasured her presence.

Surrounded by her family, Mary's memory will always be cherished and celebrated by those who knew and loved her. Preceding her in death are her parents, Oscar and Louise Smith; her brothers, James Thomas "T.W.", William "Bill", Levi, and Robert "Bob"; and her sister, Minnie Smith.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation from 12:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, June 2, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home in Coweta, Oklahoma. Mary's life and abounding love will be honored at a Homegoing Celebration, taking place at 1:30 PM on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Wilson Chapel CME Church in Coweta, Oklahoma. Mary will be laid to rest at Jackson Grove Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Mary Catherine Smith entrusted her care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Oklahoma 74429, 918-486-5515.

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