Mary Lou Smith

Mary Lou Smith, at the age of 85 years young, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2023 surrounded by her family, to which she devoted her entire life. Mary Lou was born March 24, 1938 in Tulare, California, the daughter of Edward and Ona Scott. She was the only girl surrounded by seven older brothers and one younger brother. She met the love of her life JC Smith at a very young age. They lived on the same street and JC was in the same grade as her brother Gene. JC fell in love the moment he laid his eyes on her. It was indeed a story of love at first site. Mary Lou and JC Smith married June 27, 1954,  as grade school sweethearts, in Farmersville at the Free Holiness Church. A few years later, they had their first child Sharie, then Michael, Kathy, and Abby followed. Mary Lou loved her family with her entire being and was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. JC and Mary Lou moved to Exeter in the Mid 1960's and settled there for the rest of their lives. Along the way, making numerous lifelong friendships. She is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, JC Smith, her parents, Edward and Ona Scott, Daughter, Abby Smith, brothers, John L., Hershel, Harrold, Gene, Bill, Bobby, Wayne, and Kenneth Scott. Sons in law Bob VanLaningham and Wes Buckles and numerous close friends. Mary Lou is survived by children, Sharie Homes and husband Jeff Holmes, Michael Smith and wife Charlotte Smith, Kathy VanLaningham, Grandchildren, Jared Buckles, Michael Buckles, Jason Smith, Grace Smith, Alisha VanLaningham, Sean VanLaningham, Tara Howard, Tyler Rogers, Great grandchildren, Jacob Scott Cortes, Logan Felix Cortes, Jayde Howard, Gwendolynn Hughes, Lorelei Hughes, Jagger Hughes.

A visitation for Mary Lou will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. at Smith Family Chapel. Graveside will take place on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at the Exeter District Cemetery. A reception will be held directly following services at the New Life Assembly of God, 525 E. Palm St., Exeter...

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lou Smith, please visit our floral store.