Mary Frances McMillian Smith

On Wednesday afternoon, August 16, Mary McMillian Smith passed away at her childhood home after an eight-month battle with cancer. Born on October 20, 1956, she was the daughter of Henry and Frances Harrell McMillian who taught her from an early age the value of family and hard work. Mary's thirty-year career as a rural mail carrier brought her in contact with many new acquaintances, some of whom became life-long friends. Her quick wit and intellect allowed her to memorize the names and addresses of hundreds of people to whom she delivered mail over the roads of at least eight different mail routes throughout Surry County. The meticulous way in which she stacked mail and placed it in a mailbox made work harder for her but more convenient for those people who received the deliveries. Mary enjoyed working in her flower garden even during her illness, raising a variety of flowering plants which today are blooming profusely with vibrant colors in her honor. She liked to play card games with friends and family as well as trivia and word games especially with her granddaughters. An avid reader, she liked the feel of a "real book" in her hands rather than an electronic device. A special treat for Mary would be a beach trip with close friends where she would find locations to show off her fancy footwork and graceful movements on a dance floor. Mary's talents as a cook and baker were well-known by family and others who highly prized her homemade cakes, pies, and specialty dishes. She kept her file of recipes in an antique dough bowl which had once belonged to her mother. Mary possessed an extensive vocabulary which she often put to use in a fiery defense of a family member or friend who she felt had been misjudged or treated unfairly. She will forever be a treasured mother, a cherished sister, the best Nana, and a dear friend. Rest well, Mary, and know that your life's work has set a high bar toward which those of us remaining should strive to reach. Left to mourn her loss and honor her memory are her children and spouses; Sally and Joey Reece and Crockett and Misty Surratt; her grandchildren Paxton Reece, Kinlee Reece, Bri and Spencer Washington, and Jacob and Mari Bratcher; one great grandchild, Arlo Washington; siblings; Doug and Margaret McMillian, Pat and Gary Johnson, and Linda McMillian; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Don McMillian, and two sisters, Brenda McMillian and Diddy McMillian. Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, August 26 from 9:30-10:30 at Moody’s Funeral Home in Mount Airy followed by a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Indian Grove Family Cemetery Fund.