a week after celebrating her 100th birthday in a Zoom celebration with her many beloved nieces
and nephews.
Mary was a lifelong resident of Richmond. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46
years Virgil W. Smith, parents Ernest and Lucy Buxton, brother Ernest Buxton, Jr., sisters
Nannie Buxton and Elizabeth Buxton Howell, nephew Ernest Buxton, III, and niece Jane Buxton
Paddock. She is survived by nieces Anna Buxton Blabey and Elizabeth Howell Herrmann,
nephew Alton Howell, Jr., many great-nieces and nephews, and many great-great nieces and
nephews.
A talented musician, Mary taught violin, piano, and voice. She was the first graduate in Voice
from Westhampton College (‘41) where she double-majored in French. Mary performed
violin-piano duets with her sister Betty for over 60 years. A long-time member of First Baptist
Church, Mary participated in leading worship through various choirs and violin. She also
composed cantatas for church choirs that she directed at Stukeley Hall Baptist Church for 32
years, and served as a deacon with her husband. Mary wrote poetry, loved crossword puzzles,
and enjoyed watching golf on television.
Mary’s disposition was always pleasant. She was a kind and gentle soul who had a great sense
of humor and a love for good food enjoyed with family. Nieces and nephews remember fondly
the amazing vegetable garden she and Virgil grew, eating corn fresh off the stalk, and having
family dinners on their screened-in porch.
A graveside service will be held at Westhampton Cemetery at Patterson and Gaskins roads at
10:00 AM on Friday, January 15th. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to “First Baptist
Church” (2709 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23220), either online or by check with memo to
read “Community Missions.” Funds will be used to feed and clothe Richmonders in need.
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