July 10, 1930 - Jan. 19, 2013

CASSOPOLIS, Mich. - Mary A. Smith, 82, of Cassopolis, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born July 10, 1930, in Mishawaka, Ind., to Orville Lee and Valeria (Sampson) Fisher.

She married James Junior Smith Nov. 15, 1947, in Mishawaka. He survives.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Thrasher and Naomi Sampson and three brothers, Donald Sampson, Albert Sampson and Melvin Sampson.

Mary was the best wife a man could have (and his favorite fishing buddy) and a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

The kids knew they would get food at Grandma's at any time. It was not unusual for her to bake 27 pies at Christmas time. She remembered everyone's favorites and made sure they each got at least one. All the grandkids had quilts. She made a new one for each new grandchild and great-grandchild. Every child was sure that they were Mom's favorite. Mary was an avid card player and enjoyed playing with her sister and friends.

Mary will be greatly missed by family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, James Junior Smith of Cassopolis; two daughters, Dorinda (Terry) Charles of Dowagiac and Rebecca (Tom) Cooper of Cassopolis; two sons, James Sr. (Karen) Smith of Cassopolis and Mark Smith of Cassopolis; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Sharon Glass of Cassopolis; and one brother, Dean Sampson of Texas.

Family and friends will gather from 4 t 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 30402 M-62 W., Dowagiac. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at the church, with the Rev. Lamar and the Rev. Martha Cooper officiating. Mrs. Smith will be laid to rest in Calvin Township Cemetery, Cassopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online condolences may be posted at www.wagnercares.com.