Mother Mary Ann Smith

Mary Ann Smith was born in Drew, Mississippi, on December 1, 1944, to parents, Jimmy and Rebecca Allen. She was the eldest of five children and was educated in the Mississippi public school system. Mary Ann confessed her faith in Christ at an early age.

She met and married Frank Smith in Drew, Mississippi, and to this union, five children were born. They moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in the early 70s.

Mary Ann was a devout Christian and a Prayer Warrior. She served under Pastor Linda Mitchell at New Union Vine Missionary Baptist Church for over 22 years. She loved GOD and shared his word with all who would listen, as she never met a stranger. Her bold witness for the Lord earned her the name, ‘The Street Preacher.’ One of her favorite scriptures Psalm 91, and II Timothy 1:7, and her favorite saying was, “May GOD be GOD in Your Life!” Mother Smith loved her family and always kept them in Prayer!!! She also loved chicken, but not just any chicken; it had to be Church’s Chicken. And if you had the good fortune to drive her home, you knew the ride home included a stop at Church’s Chicken.

On Thursday, April 14, 2022, Mary Ann went to rest with the one whom she loved the most, her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. She joined those who had preceded her in death including, her parents, Jimmy and Rebecca Allen; siblings, Sarah Ann, Christine, Irene, and Bennie Allen; her husband, Frank Smith; her only son, Tony Smith; and grandsons, Tony Smith, Jr., Durrell Smith, and Ronald Lamont Smith. She leaves to cherish her memories: her four beautiful daughters, Sarah (Booker) Thomas, Barbara, Brenda (Demond), and Sonja Smith; 17 grandchildren; 27 loving and talented great- grandchildren; and a host of friends and family.