Mary Coleman Smith

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Ms. Mary Smith.

Ms. Smith entered into rest on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

The family will receive friends at:

1120 Byrd Street, Hartsville, SC.

Arrangements will be announced by Davis Funeral Home, LLC, of Hartsville, SC.

                                                                                       Life’s Reflections

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 

                                                                               Psalm 121:1-2

Our loved one, Mary Coleman Smith, went home to be with the Lord. She made her transition Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from her residence. Because Mary followed the teachings of Christ, she knew her earthly work was done and that it was alright for her to go to her heavenly home.

Mary was born on January 17, 1947. She was one of six daughters born to the late Mary Benjamin Coleman and Calvin Coleman, Sr. 

She was educated in Darlington County public schools and was a 1965 graduate of Rosenwald High School in Society Hill, SC. After graduation, she married the love of her life Johnny Smith Jr. and relocated to Richmond, Virginia. She later moved to New York and in 1978, she returned to her home state of South Carolina.

Upon returning home, Mary was employed at Byerly Hospital and then Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. She worked in environmental services for thirty-nine years until her retirement. Mary was a hard worker, and she loved her job. She took pride in making sure that her rooms were clean and spotless. She was a joy to all that encountered her throughout her career.

Mary grew up in a Christian home along with her eleven siblings. At an early age, she accepted the Lord as her Savior and became a member of New Hopewell Baptist Church. When she returned to South Carolina, Mary joined Mt. Calvary Holiness Church. At the time of her demise, Mother Mary was a faithful member of Shining Light Pentecostal Holiness Church for over 31 years under the leadership of her niece, Pastor Janie Wilds. Mother Mary served as President of the Choir, servant of Missionary Ministry, and Mother of the Church.

Mary’s favorite sayings were “No love loss, no harm done” and I’m glad God is not like man”. Mary loved the Lord. Mary testified many times in church that when she was home and she would experience pain, she would call on the name of Jesus, and the pain would go away. Mary knew how to call on God.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Mary Benjamin Coleman and Calvin Coleman Sr; siblings Leroy Benjamin, Monroe Benjamin, Calvin Coleman, Willie Coleman, Patrick Coleman, Levern Coleman, Leslie Coleman, Henry Coleman, Mae Bell Benjamin Carter, Lillie Bell Coleman George, and Martha Coleman Davis (twin).

Mary leaves to cherish her memories sisters Maggie Moore of Hartsville SC, Maudie Zimmerman of Florence SC and Margaret Coleman Crosby of Sumter SC; devoted nieces and caretaker Barbara Johnson and Pastor Janie Wilds of Darlington SC; godchildren Larry Zimmerman of Florence SC and Jessica Ketter of Sumter SC; special nephew Bishop Michael Wilds of Darlington SC and special great-great grandniece Shaniyah Howle who Mary affectionately called “Mya” and great-great grandnephew Isaiah Pearson who Mary affectionately called “Issac”; sisters in law Mary Ketter Coleman and Nancy Smith Vincent; a host of loving nieces, nephews, other close relatives and friends.