Mary Draper-Smith

Mary Ellen Draper-Smith, a remarkable woman filled with strength, compassion, and an entrepreneurial spirit, peacefully passed away on November 22, 2023, while in the care of Brookwood Citizen's Baptist Medical Center in Talladega, Alabama. Born on November 12, 1952, in Talladega, Mary was the eighth of seventeen children of the late Lune D. Draper, Jr. and Annie Louise Draper. At a young age, Mary accepted Christ while attending Wesley Chapel AME Zion church. She later continued serving God when she became a Member of Mt. Zebulon AFM Church of God. While she primarily attended Talladega County Training School, she received her high school diploma from Spingarn High School in Washington, DC. Mary's determination and ambition led her to various successful endeavors throughout her life. She began her career as an insurance agent, working diligently for Levy & Associates, Geico, and Woodmen of the World. Later, she became a nurturing provider as a daycare owner and operator of Happy Child Daycare, creating a bright space for children to grow and learn. Her compassionate heart extended beyond borders, as she dedicated her time as a missionary in Guatemala, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals. In addition, Mary also served as a dedicated US Postal Worker and a successful second-hand arbitrage seller, always finding opportunities to turn discarded items into cherished treasures. Mary maintained her sobriety since May 13,1996. Her extraordinary zest for life matched her infectious smile and laughter. Mary indulged in thrilling activities, ziplining across the water in Florida, jumping on trampolines with her great-grandchildren, and climbing rock walls for fun. An avid reader, she had hundreds of scriptures memorized. Mary had a penchant for coffee with two creams and eight sugars, and she relished salads with blue cheese dressing. She was also proficient in completing tax returns for numerous family members and taught herself to install flooring, tile, and molding. Notably, she undertook a 40-day water fast in 1981. Mary's love for Hallmark and Lifetime movies, especially Christmas films, kept her engaged for hours. She also amassed collections of merry-go-rounds, books, and thimbles. In the 1980s, she excelled in a winning bowling league. Above all, Mary cherished her role as a loving mother, raising her children, Jessica, Desmond, and Felicia, with immeasurable strength and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on through her children, who will forever carry their mother's spirit in their hearts. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Lune and Annie Louise Draper, and her five siblings, Clyde Morgan, Norman Draper, Marshall Draper, Garnette Draper, and Arthur Parker. She was also reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 20 years, Eugene Smith. Mary's memory will be cherished by her loving children, Jessica (Eddie) Williams of Maryland, Desmond (Amanda) Bailey of Pennsylvania, and her devoted daughter Felicia (Wendell) Hall of Alpine, Alabama. Her legacy lives on through her cherished grandchildren: Danielle Reynolds, Jessica Michelle Washington, Jireh Swain, Wendarius Hall, and Kendell Hall. Mary's great-grandchildren, Daniel Reynolds, Dylan Reynolds, Alexandria Reynolds, Demetrius Reynolds, Marcus Washington, Myles Washington, Bella Grace Bailey, and Jasmine Bailey will forever be inspired by her remarkable life. She will be deeply missed by her nine sisters, Norma Gooden, Jeraldine (Gilbert) Reynolds, Gustina Hill, Edna (Walter) Poe, Marvaline Draper, Jacqueline (Vernard) Garrett, Teresa (Ricky) Allen, Sandra Swain, and Wanda (Michael) Nuckles, as well as her three brothers, Robert (Vickie) Draper, Victor (Christy) Draper, and Andra Draper; bonus sons, Martin Blake and Eugene Atwater of Washington DC; sister-in-law, Shirley Smith of Washington DC; and a host of nieces and nephews who will forever hold Mary close to their hearts. Mary's warm smile and caring nature touched the lives of many, and she forged lifelong friendships along the way. She shared a special bond with the Nuckles family, alongside cherished friends, Lillian Jackson, Betty Bracy, Janet May, and Sherry White. Mary Draper-Smith was a beacon of strength, love, and resilience. Her memory will forever be etched in our hearts, and her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. May she rest in eternal peace.

Tributes

Mary Draper-Smith

November 12, 1952 - November 22, 2023