Mary Lou Violet Smith

Mary Lou Violet Smith, age 85 of Charleston, IL passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Willow Breeze Hospice in Mattoon, IL. A service to celebrate her life will be held at noon, Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Apostolic Center, 205 Country Club Road, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Shine Doughty will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston, IL. The visitation will be held the same day at the Apostolic Center from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services. Mary was born on February 8, 1939, in Poplar Bluff, MO to the late T. Carl and Estelle W. (Neal) Jaco. She married Martin “Marty” L. Smith on December 10, 1955, in Clinton, IA. He preceded her in death July 2, 2012, after celebrating fifty-six years of marriage. Together they shared four children: Debbie L. Warman (Darrell) of Charleston, IL, Michael W. Smith of Charleston, IL, Kathy J. Byrd (Allen) of Guyton, GA, Linda L. Hobbs (Mathieu) of Burlington, IA; beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lois Swinford of Mattoon, IL. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Eugene and Lloyd Jaco, Dorothy McKibben and Shirley Ferrand. For many years Mary was a dedicated clerk and caseworker for the State of Illinois Public Aid Office before her retirement. Mary was a Godly woman whose faithfulness was unwavering no matter the circumstances in life. The family has found profound comfort knowing she was welcomed into heaven with open arms and is embracing her great-grandson, Holden Alexander Jones. Her life was centered around God. Family, her children, and grandchildren were the light of her life. She will be forever remembered for her kindness, loyalty, and the warmth she shared with those around her. Mary’s message to all was “Much love to each of you and do not grieve but rejoice in God’s Love and Mercy.” Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Center for a plaque in Mary’s honor in care of Debbie Warman. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Mary Lou Violet Smith

February 8, 1939 - January 4, 2025