SMITH, MARY LAURETTE (AGE 95) OF PISGAH, MARYLAND.

Mary Laurette Smith was born May 18, 1917 in Pisgah, Maryland, the daughter of the late Albert Matthews and Gertrude Miller. On August 5, 2012 Laurette slipped away with God's Angels after a brief illness.

She was educated in the Charles County Public School System. Upon graduation from Pomonkey High School, she enrolled in several classes to further her education in order to secure her employment in the federal government. Her federal service, which lasted over thirty-five years, began at the Naval Powder Plant in Indian Head, Maryland. From there, Laurette transitioned into her career as a Biological Laboratory Technician at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland and the Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C. until she retired on December 31, 1977.

At a young age Laurette received Christ at Smith Chapel Church, where she became a lifelong and very active member. While at Smith Chapel she served in many leadership roles including Chairperson of the Church Council, Staff Parish Relations, Homecoming, Revival, and Fundraising (The Silvertones). She was an active member of the Finance committee and the Sanctuary Choir. Laurette's joy in serving the Lord was not confined to Smith Chapel. She found time to serve as the Lay Delegate to the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for more than twenty-five years.


She was affectionately known as "Mary L.", "Laurette", "Ret", "Loretta", "Miss Smith" and "Mama" to the many individuals who knew her. Laurette enjoyed travelling locally, across the states and to other countries as well. She would drive anyone who needed transportation to any location. She loved farming, gardening, cooking and dining at "her" favorite restaurants. Mama loved to entertain at her home, where her doors were always open to anyone for a meal. Every guest had to leave with a dish that she had grown in her garden and prepared.

In the community Laurette worked at the polls to cover primary and general elections and labored tirelessly with the NAACP. She served as an advocate for many children, by insuring that they received the necessary education to secure gainful employment. Many individuals received jobs because of the diligent and persistent skills she insisted they develop. Laurette believed in working and always committing to whatever you begin. Her motto was "If I Can Help Somebody As I Pass Along, Then My Living Shall Not Be In Vain".

Laurette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clayton; daughter, Gertrude ("Curly"); siblings: Bud, Dorothy, and Thelma; grandson, Bryan; step-mother, Lillian; and cousin, Thelma ("Mama Sis").

Mary Laurette Smith leaves to cherish her memory and live out her legacy: her daughter, Vera M. Littlejohn; grandsons, Kevin Diggs (Karen), Norman Diggs and James H. Littlejohn III; great grand-children, Manus, Shaprina , Darnell , Nathaniel and Danielle; great great grandchildren, Anthony, Kevon, Deandre, Uriah, Malachi, Elijah, Rylee and William; sisters, Florine and Sandra; brothers, Harold and William( Sonny); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives; close friends, Celestine Smith, Dorothy Johnson, and Joyce Hurd; and her "Boys ", Francis Milstead, Mason " Buck " Proctor, Henry Franklin Smith, Heath Bowman, and Joe Neal.

Her Viewing will be held from 5:30-8:30 pm, Friday, August 10, 2012 at THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland. An additional viewing will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 from 9am until time of Service, 11am at Smith Chapel United Methodist Church, 7750 Poor House Road, Pisgah, Maryland. Her Interment will be in the Church Cemetery.