Mary Lee Smith

Mary Lee Smith was born October 8, 1942 in Texarkana, Arkansas to Willie and Mary Louise Bruce. She lived her life in full expression of the Proverbs 31 woman. She was a faithful member of The Potter’s House of Dallas where she served on the Crimson Ministry team. She held Bible study in the home of she and her husband for several years. Those who knew her best would often describe her as a woman of wisdom, a psalmist, loyal, generous, and a great cook. As the third eldest child, Mary was the matriarch of her family whose home was the hub for many extended family gatherings which she loved to host.

She completed her formal education in Texarkana, AR where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School as Salutatorian of her class and continued her education at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College) where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. Mary later acquired a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Southern Methodist University and several certifications in administration from the University of North Texas, graduating with honors from all institutions.

After completing college in 1964, Mary began her career as an educator. In the late sixties, she and her family relocated to Dallas, TX where she continued her career at American Christian Academy at Souls Harbor Church. In 1978, she joined Dallas ISD where she served over 25 years in various capacities including teaching Language Arts at Carter High School, W.E. Greiner Middle School, and culminating her teaching career at Booker T. Washington High School of the Performing and Visual Arts. The remainder of her career was spent in administration where she proudly served until retiring in 2002.

She married her husband Benny L. Smith, May 20, 1962, celebrating 58 years of Holy Matrimony. From that union four children were born. Not only was she the family matriarch and mother to her four children and godson, she was fondly considered an adopted mom by many of her students throughout her numerous years of teaching in Dallas ISD. She was also a beloved spiritual mother to many church members and friends of the family.

Mary was intentional about making every family member feel special. She understood the importance of sacrificing time and creating memories to celebrate and support her family. As a dedicated mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and god-mother, she gave her best to her children. Every gift she cultivated in her life, she availed to Victor, Yolanda, Kenneth, and Bryan.

During the last days of her life, Mary was surrounded and supported by her loving family and friends. On Saturday, January 2, 2021, Mary faced the sunset of her days on earth and entered her rest, joining her precious Savior in eternity.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories her husband Benny L. Smith; beloved children: Victor Smith (Kimberly), Yolanda Brooks (Vincent), Kenneth Smith (Pamela), and Bryan Smith (Rochelle), all residing in the Dallas area; siblings: Nathan Bruce (Lou) of Flint, MI, Royles Bruce (Billie) of Muskegon, MI, Betty Edwards (Eugene) and Earsilene Bruce of Atlanta, GA, Edna Burnett, Delbra Murphy (Van) and Lemurial Bruce (Jean) of Dallas, TX, and Melissa Bruce of Oakland, CA; Sister-in-law: Janice Bruce; Brother-in-law: Esell Monroe; Special godson: Roderick McDonald; Grandchildren: Johnathan, Kenneth Jr., Lawrence, Nicolis, Caleb, Madison, and Emma; Great-grandchildren: Anya, Brooklyn, Jackson, Kimberly, Johnathan Jr., Alex, Avonna, Eden, Connor, Aiden, Alex, and Amya. In addition, she leaves forty-one nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Mary Louise Bruce; brothers, Borden, James, Odell and Silas Bruce; and sisters, Shirley Monroe and Doris Byrd.

Mary’s legacy was exemplified by using her gifts and talents to plant many seeds that would bear fruit in different seasons of her life. She was a trailblazer who embodied change and continually demonstrated love. She was an educator and deposited wisdom into the lives of all she touched. Mary was a woman whom God used, and the ripple effects of her presence on this earth will be felt for generations to come. She was revered and leaves a legacy of service that is a model for all to follow.