Marie Smith

Marie Smith May, 100, died at her home in Chapel Hill, NC, on May 12, 2011 with her family and faithful dogs at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, William Walker May. Through their marriage, Marie and Bill made their homes in Birmingham, Alabama; Dallas, Texas; and Columbia, South Carolina. Marie was born in 1910 in Pulaski, Tennessee, to the late Thurman and Wilburn Dunnavant Smith. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Tuttle, and brother, Robert C. Smith. Marie received degrees from Martin College and the University of Tennessee. She graciously shared her UT loyalties with both Duke and UNC. She avidly followed college football and basketball as well as Brave's baseball and Cowboy football. Marie moved to Chapel Hill in 1985 becoming an integral part of her daughter's family. A former teacher, she was well known within the city school district for being a tireless volunteer in her grandchildren's schools, taking on tasks as varied as classroom "grandmother," gardener, box office ticket taker, and preparer of meals for high school drama performers. She also chauffeured to numerous athletic practices, music lessons, and dance classes. Her family and friends will remember her as unassuming about her many gifts. For years, Marie was an ardent cook, seamstress, and gardener, and her abundant knowledge and skills have been passed along as a joy to many. Her greatest gift was the ability to share unconditional love and quiet strength with family, friends, and those in need. During 2011, she delighted in celebrating the high school graduation of her oldest great grandson and the birth of her newest great granddaughter. Surviving are her two children: William May of Eugene, Oregon and Patricia May Touw of Chapel Hill, NC; six grandchildren: Chris Mandeville, Kathy Santelli, Anduin Touw, Kate DeAlmeida, Adam Touw, and Jessica May,; nine great grandchildren: Duncan, Jack, and Kit Mandeville; Dillon and Dean DeSalvo; Cooper Santelli; Lorien Jackson; and Genevieve and Calliope DeAlmeida. Visitation will be Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 9:00 until 11:00am at Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held after visitation on May 21st at 11:15am at Maplewood Cemetery, Pulaski, Tennessee. Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Marie Smith May.

Marie Smith

January 1, 1753 - May 21, 2011