Mary Frances Smith

Mary Frances Smallwood was born on August 11, 1941, in Macon, Georgia. Her parents were Cecil Smallwood and Mary Lillian Lowery. She was the oldest of nine and outlived many of her siblings. Her remaining siblings are Patricia Roland and Eddie Smallwood. In 1957, on Christmas Eve, she married the love of her life, Andrew J. Smith, in Pocatello, Idaho. They were married 65 years before he passed away in October of 2022.

For most of her life, she was a stay-at-home mother and housewife. She worked for short periods as a CNA at Bannock County Nursing Home, ISU food services as the “Jell-O lady”, and Red Steer Restaurant.

Mary and Andrew raised three children, Gerrie Bacon, Andrew C. Smith, and Marguerite Davids. Mary lived most of her life in Blackrock Canyon. They always had animals and a huge garden which she loved. She would work outside until she could barely move from a sore back. Mary was a southern woman and knew how to cook great food. Her specialty was homemade biscuits. She could make a mean rabbit and rice and loved to make Louisiana get-together. When her children were very young, she would make their clothes for them. She was extremely good at budgeting what money they had. She was always known for her politeness and kindness even in the hardest of times.

Mary and Andrew were devout Baptists and read from their bibles daily. They enjoyed square dancing, fishing, camping, riding four wheelers, playing cards, and going to casinos. They went on several Caribbean cruises together. Later in life, they were campground hosts several places in Idaho including Pebble Creek campground, Massacre Rocks campground, and a campground in Georgia. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans, painting woodcrafts, reading, listening to music, going for rides, and watching T.V. Andrew was a Mason, and Mary belonged to the Eastern Star.

Mary was so proud of her children and their families. Most of her joy included family and what they meant to her. She had seven grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren. Mary loved spending time camping, picnicking, and doing fun things with all the grandkids. She talked often of how she missed doing things with Gerrie, especially the times they crafted and cleaned together. She always treated her children’s spouses like they were her own. Even if she didn’t see them often, they were always in her heart. She loved Rose (Casey’s wife) and talked of her fondly. She was so excited to see and hold the new twin grandbabies of Casey’s. Dan (Marguerite’s husband) always gave her the biggest hugs, and she loved it. He adored her and would do anything for her.

Due to ongoing ailments, she has lived for the past three years at Caring Hearts Assisted Living in Pocatello. She received great care from them and Enhabit Hospice. Mary was a friendly person, and she loved anyone who would visit with her and hold her hand. She went home to be with her husband, and other family members on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. She will be buried in Lava Hot Springs Cemetery next to her husband. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Memories and condolences can be mailed to Wilks Colonial Funeral Home at 2005 S 4th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201.