Mary Lee Smith

Mary Lee Smith, age 85 of Gatesville, passed away at her home on Monday, December 28, 2009. Graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Valley Mills Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday at Scotts Funeral Home in Gatesville. Mary Lee was born on April 19, 1924 to the late Forrest and Jenny Mullinex Allen in Port Arthur, TX. She was an honor graduate of Jefferson Hill School in Port Arthur. She married Douglas Smith on April 2, 1944. Following their marriage, she lived in California while Douglas served in the Navy. After the war, they moved to Valley Mills, TX to start their family. In 1959 they moved to Gatesville to establish a business, Doug Smith Wool and Mohair. Mary Lee was a devoted wife and mother and in 1968 even changed her name to Mamaw when her first grandchild was born. She retired from Texas-New Mexico Power Company in 1988. She was a member of the first Baptist Church in Gatesville where she taught Sunday School. She devoted many hours to Bible study. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters. She is survived by her husband Douglas Smith of Gatesville; daughter, Sheryl McNee and husband Jim of Houston; son, Doak Smith and wife Betty of Mound; grandchildren, Nancy Newell and husband Matt of Alexandria, VA, Douglas McNee and wife Julie of Houston, and Blake Smith of Austin; and one great grandson Owen McNee. The family would like to especially thank Reverend Daughtry of Heaven’s Open Door Church for his weekly visits and support during her illness. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be made in her memory to the charity of your choice.