Mary Francis Smith

Mary Francis Hiatt was born to the late William Edward Hiatt and Clara Belle Wilburn in Brownwood Texas on November 27th, 1927. In 1930 her sister Billie Claire was born. Mary attended Abilene High where she met Sam Smith who would become her one and only love. In 1949 with a degree in Sociology from the University of Texas. In 1970 she received her Master’s and in 1977 she received her Doctoral degree from Catholic University in Washington D.C.

Mary was a devoted military spouse who managed a home, 4 children and later in life dedicated her time to a fulfilling career in social work, initially in the public and then in private practice. She and Sam had a passion for travel, and they especially loved the animals and people of Africa prompting them to return several times. In addition, they toured Europe, Iceland, South America, Canada, Israel and Antarctica. Closer to home mom loved the Sante Fe opera, symphonies, art, and plays and when she was mid-aged taught herself to play the piano.

Above all, Mary loved her family and friends. She is survived by her sister Billie Claire and her husband George Ward, her children Sherry Hogue and Spouse Ron, Holly Vatter, and David Smith. Grandchildren Dylan and Devin Hogue, Justin and Ali Vatter, Joe, Travis and Will Smith, and Sally Seck. She was blessed with 12 great grandchildren, Willie Vatter, Madison, Peyton, Mallory, Tyler and Emmie Hogue, Juniper Seck, Tyler, Ellie, Luke, Davi and Joaquin Smith. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by Sam Henry, her beloved husband of 62 years, Mark Smith and his wife Phyllis.

Mary never missed a birthday of a friend or family, personalizing cards and selecting the perfect gift. She loved to entertain and was known for her New Years Day party. She was generous in giving and supported many causes including Meals on Wheels, Southern Poverty Law Center, Community First and CASA to name a few. In addition, she sang in church choirs throughout the years and was a Stephen Minister.

The family would like to thank the staff at Querencia where mom resided for 15 years. In addition to Hospice, they provided exemplary care and compassion. A celebration of life will be held at Sonesta at 12525 Bee Cave Parkway in the Galleria from 1-4 on Saturday June the 22nd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels, CASA or the Macular Degeneration Society.

The only thing that survives is love, for it is an energy as enduring as light, which travels outward from it’s source toward the ever expanding boundaries of the universe. This is the very energy which all things were conceived and with which all things will be sustained in a world beyond this point of time.