January 22, 1940 – October 25, 2026 

Mary Smith Williams, 86, of Browns Summit, North Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 25, 2026. 

Born on January 22, 1940, in Madison, North Carolina, Mary was the daughter of the late Robert Lee Smith and Nonnie Covington Smith. The oldest of seven children, she grew up on a farm alongside her six younger brothers, where she learned the values of hard work and family that would remain with her throughout her life. She made her home in Browns Summit for most of her life. 

The most important day of Mary’s life was September 15, 1955, when, at just 15 years old, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at Good News Baptist Church in Madison, North Carolina, under the preaching of Cecil Wright. Her faith became the foundation upon which she built her life. She was a faithful member of Reedy Fork Baptist Church for over 40 years and lived a life devoted to her Savior and the family He had blessed her with. 

Mary was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, and a cherished Mawmaw. Her greatest joy was found in caring for those she loved. She was known for her wonderful cooking, and few things made her happier than having the whole family gathered around her table for Sunday lunch. Those meals were about much more than good food; they were about being together and making memories with the people she held most dear. Christmas was another of her favorite times of year. She loved baking for the holidays and found special joy in watching the children open their gifts, treasuring the excitement and happiness of each one. 

Mary had a gift for creating beautiful things with her hands. She enjoyed sewing, needlework, cross-stitching, and plastic canvas crafts, as well as tending to her garden or settling in with a good book. Throughout her life, she worked at White Oak Mill, Sears, and Tri-City Awning, but the work she cherished most was the many years she spent caring for her grandchildren and numerous other children. She found great joy in loving and nurturing little ones, leaving a lasting impression on the many lives entrusted to her care. 

Above all, Mary will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her devotion to her family, and the countless ways she showed her love through the simple, everyday things. Her life was a testimony of faithfulness to the Lord, and the love she poured into her family will continue to be felt for generations to come. 

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Williams; and three brothers, Dewey Smith, Dennis Smith, and Ernest Smith. 

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Terry Williams and wife Tammy, and Donnie Williams and wife Kristen; four grandchildren, Heath Williams and wife Shayne, Heather Everett and husband Austin, Kate Williams, and Jake Williams; four great-grandchildren, Emarie Williams, Parker Williams, Cason Williams, and Judson Everett; three brothers, Keith Smith, Weldon Smith, and Jerry Smith and wife Cathy; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Church Street Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her grandson, Evangelist Heath Williams, officiating. The family will receive friends following the service from 7:30 until 9:00 p.m. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026. 

George Brothers Funeral Service of Greensboro, North Carolina, is caring for the family. 

Though her family will dearly miss her presence, they find comfort in knowing that the Savior she trusted as a young girl is the same Savior who has now welcomed her home.