Mary Maxine Smith, age 98, formerly of Mansfield, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026 in the Good Shepherd Home in Ashland, Ohio. She was born on July 11, 1927 in Mulhall, Oklahoma to the late Elbert Thomas Potter and Ella Myrtle Rouch Potter.
Mary attended Oklahoma City University and Ohio University . She was a voice, music, and education major in college. She met ger husband Paul at a USO dance in Denver, Colorado during WW2. At the end of the war she left Oklahoma on a train bound for Ohio to marry Paul. Mary was an active member in the First Presbyterian church of Mansfield choir for many years. She was an accomplished piano player and a superb soprano singer. She was a care giver to Paul during his battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s until his passing in 2005. She really enjoyed playing music of all kinds on the piano. She enjoyed going to the Ohio Theatre with her friends to watch musical presentations. During her stay in the nursing home in Ashland she would play the piano at Sunday services and just to entertain herself and others.
She was a church choir member, bringing her love of music and Jesus Christ together. As a retired teacher, Mary was a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association at the local, state and national level.
She will be fondly remembered by her son Douglas, daughter in law Julie, and granddaughter Barbara of Nampa, Idaho, son Jeff of Marietta, Georgia, her granddaughter Jessica and her husband, Matthew and great- grandchildren Nova and Stone of Avondale, Arizona.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul W. Smith.
A service to honor Mary’s life and faith will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home with Pastor Joseph Yerger officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home.
A graveside service will be held at 12:30 pm on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Riverview Cemetery in Middleport, Ohio.
The Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to care for Mary and serve the Smith family. To leave a condolence or share a fond memory please visit Mary’s obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: The Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com