Mary A. Smith

Mrs. Mary Amanda (Hammock) Smith, affectionately known as “Gran,” departed this earthly life on Thursday evening, August 28, 2025, at the remarkable age of 104.  She was born on February 28, 1921, the only child of the late Fred and Carrie (Wallace) Hammock, and was raised in the Flytown neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. As a child, she attended Columbus City Schools, including Pilgrim Elementary, where she first met her lifelong love, Rudell J. Smith, in the 4th grade. Their paths reconnected in high school at East High, where Mary’s vibrant personality shined through her involvement in drama, choir, and orchestra. She was a talented young woman who loved music, and dancing was one of her greatest joys throughout her life. Following her graduation, she and Rudell were united in holy matrimony on October 12, 1940, a devoted union that spanned 71 years until his passing in 2012. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Ralph, Thomas, and Carolyn.

During World War II Mary contributed to the war effort on the home front, proudly working as a “Rosie the Riveter” at Rockwell Aviation, helping to build airplanes. After the war, she began what became a long and distinguished career at The Ohio State University Hospital. Over more than 30 years, she rose from entry-level staff to become the first African American woman to serve as Supervisor of the Dietary Department, before retiring in 1978.

In retirement, Mary poured her energy into caregiving and service. She cared for her mother, husband, and grandchildren—both her own and countless neighborhood children. Known for her nurturing nature, she was always willing to lend a hand, whether watching children after school, mentoring, or offering encouragement and support.

Her greatest joy was found in her faith and church family. A devoted Christian, Mary accepted Christ at an early age and, in 1969, joined Hope Lutheran Church, where she remained a faithful member for over five decades. She was proud to be recognized as the church’s eldest living member. Her ministry at Hope included service in the food pantry, supporting immigrant families, teaching Sunday School, ushering, singing in the choir, serving on the Altar Guild, and working with the Hospitality Committee. She also held leadership roles with the Ruth Circle and the Women of the ELCA.

Mary was also deeply committed to democracy and the ideals of justice and equality enshrined in the Constitution.  A proud lifelong Democrat, she exercised her right to vote in every presidential election beginning with Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Even in her later years, she braved inclement weather and, amidst a global pandemic, insisted on casting her ballot in person—doing so faithfully until the age of 103. She believed voting was both a privilege and a responsibility, and she embodied the power of civic duty throughout her lifetime.  Though she was honored with many awards and accolades for her community service, Mary most cherished her time with family. She was a gifted storyteller whose quick wit, wisdom, and ingenious humor brought joy to all who knew her. Music and dancing remained lifelong passions, often bringing sparkle and rhythm to her family gatherings.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: Her son Ralph Smith of Columbus, OH; devoted caregivers, her grandchildren Jada (Luis) Dunwoody-Brent; and great-grandchildren Jarred Brent, Justin Brent, and Aria Brent, all of Columbus, OH; grandchildren Thomas James Smith Jr., Marquietta Smith, LaBarron Smith, and great-grandson Eric Hooper Jr., all of CA; great-grandaughter, Kiandra (Tracey) Pinkston-Felix, and great-great grandsons Kellen Felix and Kofi Felix, of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Rena (Leonard) Roundtree, Rodney Smith, Wayne Smith, Duane Smith, Kiarra Roundtree, Javan Roundtree, Tianna Roundtree, and Kimora Roundtree, all of Columbus, OH; and her Hope Lutheran Church family along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by:  Her loving parents, Fred and Carrie (Wallace) Hammock; adoring aunts and uncles, Myrtle and Carey Price and Marie and Elmer Pierce Pierce; beloved husband of 71 years, Rudell J. Smith; her cherished children Carolyn Darlene (Smith) Dunwoody and Thomas James Smith Sr.

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