Mary Smith Dunham was born, on December 2, 1929, to the late Della Gist and the late Will Fowler, in Woodruff, SC. She was a strong and courageous woman who loved her family immensely.  Mary was a proud member of the Temple Baptist Church, and she was the church mother. Her favorite color was white.

Mary was preceded in death, along with her parents, by children, Mary Alice Smith and Donnie Smith; siblings, Wilbert Gist, Sr., Roosevelt Woodruff, and Kapriatico Woodruff; grandchildren, Joseph Harris and William G. K. Harris. .

Mary Leaves to cherish fond and loving memories to daughters, Doris Jean (Nathaniel) Gist of Spartanburg, SC, and Christine (Mikal Daood) Harris of Philadelphia, PA; sister, Ida Foster of Spartanburg, SC; special grandchildren, Felisha Harris, Priscilla Rainey, and Jessica (Artis) Harris; grandchildren, Laverne Gist, Raymond Lee Gist, and Michelle Evette Lawson; 23 great-grandchildren;  special great-grandsons, Jonathan Rainey and Royce Green Harris; special great-granddaughter, Jessica Rainey; adopted children, Kenneth Rogers, Rakeema Harris,  Bernadette White, Anna White, Patricia Hyman,  and Dianne Smith; special cousins Clayton Cuff and Roseanna Melton; cherished friends,  Mr. Bob, Ms. Hall, Doris Williams, and Herbert Williams; beloved pastor, Jerry and First Lady Jones; and a host of other relatives and friends.

On Thursday, March 9, 2023, at the blessed age of 93, Mary passed away at her home. She has received her "Well Done" and can now rest at peace.