Mary Lou (Doolin) Smith

Mary Lou (Doolin) Smith, daughter of the late Willie Alf “Cotton” and Georgia Doolin, was born March 6th, 1943, in Waynesville, Missouri where she spent the majority of her life. She was baptized as a young girl at the First Baptist Church of Waynesville, Missouri. Mary attended school in Waynesville and received an equivalent level of high school education. During school Mary frequently contributed her talents to making costumes, props, and sets for school plays. Her talent for sewing and crafts are something she was known for throughout her life. Mary was a member of the Homemakers Extension Club in Waynesville and cherished all her friendships. Mary met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Smith at the Dairy Queen in St. Robert, Missouri. On August 26, 1960, Mary Lou Doolin was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Smith in Doolittle, Missouri. Bob and Mary shared 43 years of marriage together before he passed away in March 2003. During their marriage they were blessed with 2 children: Kimberley Ann (Smith) Riffe and Terry Justin Smith, 6 grandchildren: Brittany (Riffe) Jaegers, Taylor Riffe, Jordan Riffe, Bailee (Smith) Guerrero, Kori Smith, and Kobe Smith, several great-grandchildren, and other close family members. Mary was a dedicated homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was known by those close to her as “Nanny”. She devoted her life to raising her children and filled her days with cooking, baking special desserts, and crafting. Mary’s many talents showcased throughout her projects and crafts, including painting, quilting, sewing, needle felting, making Santa’s and sleighs among other things. Mary shared with her family if she pursued a career outside of caring for her family, she would have been an art or home economics teacher as she recalled the joy she experienced in her school days. Mary enjoyed sharing stories about her upbringing in Pulaski County, Missouri, and spending time with her family and friends. Whether reminiscing about family dinners and afternoon adventures teasing her uncle Robert “Unc” Sutton with her siblings or sharing insights about her family’s life in the area and the history of Waynesville and Pulaski County. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Willie Alf “Cotton” and Georgia “Grammer” Doolin, husband, Robert “Bob” Smith; two brothers Bob Doolin and Benny Doolin, and nephew Jeffery Doolin. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. The songs “In the Garden”, “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and “Ave Maria” were played. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Lou (Doolin) Smith to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and may be left at the Memorial Chapels & Crematory.

Mary Lou (Doolin) Smith

March 6, 1943 - March 2, 2024