Mark Withington Smith

Having raised three children, empty nesters Margaret and SE Boyd Smith learned the happy news that they would again be parents.

Mark Withington Smith was born January 5, 1966. He passed September 4, 2024 of brain trauma from a fall.

Mark brought great happiness to the family. He was a healthy, beautiful child with a crop of blonde hair. At an early age, however, he was stricken with a seizure disorder. Mark bore the struggles of this complicated condition with noble courage. He never complained. Instead, he developed a persona with a loving heart more like sunshine. With a joyful, outgoing manner he did, as they say, light up the room. To paraphrase Yeats, strangers were just friends he hadn’t met.

Mark attended Poly High School and graduated from Riverside Christian High School. Later, he enrolled in the Ceramics Studio at California Baptist University, creating an oeuvre that today fills two bookcases.

Although there were restrictions in Mark’s adult life, he chose to focus on hosting celebrations. He took pride in creating a welcome setting for his home-cooked meals, greeting his guests and family at the door with an open-hearted big smile. Elaborate decorations for each holiday were a specialty. While Mark treasured the family home, he longed for new experiences. He traveled extensively, spending time in Hawaii with his siblings and taking global cruises with his best friend and brother, Stephen.

Mark was blessed with a rich Christian heritage. His grandfather, P. Boyd Smith, was the Founding President of California Baptist University. His father was the first Dean of the School of Music. Like his father, Mark was the essence of a Christian gentleman respectful, kind, and always mindful of the well-being of others. In his mother’s declining years, he would sit by her bedside and keep her company for hours on end. Mark’s faith was strong. The family often teased Mark about his penchant for long “Granny Smith” prayers as he liked to name each person to be blessed. Mark’s prayers always ended with a quiet plea for the country.

The last celebration of the year, Christmas, was Mark’s favorite. Throughout his lifetime, he acquired an impressive collection of nutcrackers that he proudly displayed each December. During the season, he could be found fireside, enjoying the tree with his dog Oreo. With a family history in music, he appreciated the message and beauty of Christmas carols and would listen by the hour.

Mark leaves a legacy of friendship, devotion, faith and love in the wake of his tragic passing. His was a beautiful soul.

Mark was predeceased by his beloved mother and father, Margaret McGillivray Withington Smith and SE Boyd Smith. Mark is survived by his sisters, Sylvia Sue Johnson and Margaret Ann Smith Danna McTague, and his brother, Stephen Edwin Smith, his brother-in-law William R. Johnson, Jr.; nieces Margaret Johnson, Laura Johnson, Catherine Kennett, and Lisa Hartwell; his aunts Jonita Smith Cheek Eurich and Patricia Smith; cousins Beverly Mims, Stephanie Smith Kimbrell, Denese Smith Schellink, Brad Smith, Pamela Meadows and Kathy Jo Laudermilk; and many grand-nieces and nephews.

There will be a public memorial for Mark on Wednesday, September 25 at 11:00am at the Staples Chapel Room at California Baptist University with a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SE Boyd Smith Scholarship, School of Music at California Baptist University in Mark’s name.