Mary Arline Wright Smith, 89 years old, went to her Heavenly Home on April 6, 2026. She passed away in The Woodlands, Texas, with her loving daughter Penni at her side.
Mary was born on June 17, 1936, in Colbert County, Alabama. She was a member of First Baptist Church Tuscumbia, Alabama.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of nearly seventy years, Bobby “Bob” Howard Smith; mother, Virginia Inman; and father, Alonzo Wright.
Mary is survived by her son, Howard F. Smith (Lisa) and daughter, Penni Smith Clos (Paul); grandchildren, Mallie Froehlich, Ashley Clos (Brandon), Austin Clos (Alexis), Audra Clos (Cristian); great-granddaughter, Lucille; great-grandson, Paul; great-granddaughter, Bobby; and sister, Gayle Bruner.
A celebrated student, Mary graduated from Deshler High School in Tuscumbia. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She was a majorette for the Deshler High School Band for three consecutive years and was elected as drum majorette her senior year. Soon after graduation, Mary was asked to return and lead the annual Helen Keller Parade.
Mary’s soulmate was her husband Bob, and she was his. They were inseparable their entire marriage-raising two children, building successful businesses, and traveling in their motorhomes throughout the years. Their eternal bond was not even broken in death as Bob passed away the day before Easter 2025, and Mary passed away the day after Easter 2026. Mary longed to be reunited with Bob, the love of her life, and God answered her prayer following the holiest day of the year.
Mary and Bob took up running as their hobby when they were in their 50s. Mary was quite competitive, winning 10K races around the Shoals and surrounding areas. She held the 4-mile state record at one time in her age group. She was a devoted Alabama fan and enjoyed SEC football—Roll Tide!
Her memorial service will be held at Greenview Memorial Chapel, 3657 Old Chisholm Road, Florence, Alabama, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Pastor Barrett Long of First Baptist Church Tuscumbia, a dear friend of Mary’s, will be officiating the service. Friends are welcome for visitation from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Park immediately after the memorial service.
Pallbearers will be Howard F. Smith, Austin Clos, Paul Clos, Brandon Crowe, Richard “Dick” Smith, and Jim Burnett. Honorary pallbearers are Billy J. “Pete” Smith, William A. “Bill” Holder, and Howard Foust.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Mary’s Alabama guardian angel Kimberly and Texas guardian angel Mercy for the love and care they gave her.
Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Tuscumbia, 203 North Dickson Street, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674.
An online guestbook may be signed at greenviewmemorial.com.
