Mary Mashburn Smith, 86, died Friday, February 9, 2024, at Tift Regional Medical Center.
She was born on November 21, 1937, in Fitzgerald, Georgia to the late William Thomas Mashburn and Louise Oliver Warren Mashburn. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charlie Miles Warren and John Oliver Warren, and one sister, Marian Louise Warren.
Her childhood was spent in Abbeville and Fitzgerald. She graduated from Fitzgerald High School, where she sang in a sextet and performed at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. She also attended Florida State University.
A homemaker and mother, she was active in her children’s lives as a Den mother, Little League Mom, Girl Scouts helper, and with various church activities. She enjoyed entertaining and was a member of the Junior Woman’s Club, Garden Club and Bridge Club.
She had a heart for the underprivileged and would anonymously find ways to help others. While living in Fitzgerald, she was a member of the Central United Methodist Church where she taught the senior men’s Sunday School class. She was a prayer warrior and wasn’t shy about sharing her faith. She enjoyed reading, house plants, antiques, crossword puzzles, baking cookies, sharing a little cartoon or joke and Chick-fil-a. And, she was an excellent shot with a pistol.
After raising her children, she moved to Florida and landed a job with Disney, just as construction began for Epcot. She met the Head Engineer, who designed all of the animatronics for the Park, and her life was filled with many opportunities. She and her friend even hosted Roy Disney for supper at her home on several occasions. One of her greatest undertakings was organizing and writing her family history, which includes key individuals in the establishment of Fitzgerald.
Looking back over her life, she would often say that her children were her best accomplishment. Survivors include: Son, Dr. Bill Smith (Sara), Daughters, Sue Smith, and Lynn Glancy (Dan). Grandchildren: Dr. Will Smith (Mary Bailey) and Anna Smith. Niece, Jayne Belk (Don), and nephew, Charlie Warren (Jeri).
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, February 11, at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, Fitzgerald with Rev Chip Grantham officiating. Visitation 2:00 pm. Funeral services 3:00 pm. Interment will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ben Hill County.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Jackie’s Helping Hands, 119 Stratford St. East, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or Samaritan’s Purse online.
Paulk Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.