Mary Ellan Smith

        Memorial services for Mary Ellan Smith, 82, will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Highway Missionary Baptist Church in Huntington, Texas, with Brother Calvin Gould officiating.

          Mrs. Smith was born on January 8, 1943, in Beaumont, Texas, to the late Bourbon Ervin Jones and the late Velma Faye (Russell) Jones, and died Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Huntington.

          She met the love of her life, Leroy Smith of Kountze, and they married on March 7, 1959.  Together they had three children who they loved and supported throughout their 66 years of marriage.  Mary was the kindest, most thoughtful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, always ready to lend a hand, bake a cake, make a casserole, and especially ready to pray and share Jesus and a special scripture with anyone in need.  As a pastor’s wife for 59 of those 66 years of marriage, she supported Leroy in the ministry and loved on the families at each church he pastored.  She partnered with him throughout his work with Texas Mission Builders and helped do the office work, cooked for volunteers, and helped coordinate projects.  She was an outstanding cook and spoiled her family rotten making their favorites at the drop of a hat!  She was adored and will be missed beyond measure, but we are comforted knowing we will see her again in Glory. 

          She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Karl Davis of Huntington; son and daughter-in-law, Leroy, Jr. and Angie Smith of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Shaye Smith of Huntington; granddaughter and husband, Savannah and Theo McWhorter of Lufkin ; grandson and wife, Kyle and Meghan Davis of Houston; granddaughter, Jessica Smith of Huntington; grandson and wife, Johny and Patricia Smith of Huntington; grandson and wife, Justin and Shelby Napier of Lufkin; granddaughter and husband, Katie and Blake Stone of DeKalb; grandson and wife, Nathan and Libby Smith of Bogata; grandson and wife, Jacob and Alyssa Smith of Huntington; great-grandchildren, Jaycee, Lincoln, Rhyett, Holden, Jaxton, Hayden, Brylee and Elsie; and sister, Nina Parker.

          She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leroy Smith; sister, Edith Rayford; and brother, Leslie Jones.

          In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Texas Mission Builders in her honor at PO Box 287, Huntington, TX 75949. 

          Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.