Mary Smittle

WILSON - Mary Catherine Stepp Smittle, "Mimi", of Wilson, died Monday, September 10, 2012.

Mass, Thursday, 11 AM, St. Therese Catholic Church. Entombment, Evergreen Memorial Park.

She was born November 19, 1925 in Tulsa, OK. She was the daughter of Frank Stepp and Ione Mallory Stepp. Mary was sister to John and Charlie Stepp and Virginia Mattingly. She graduated from Daniel Webster High School in Tulsa.

Mary met Pat Smittle at a roller skating rink as a very young teenager and the two have been married for 70 years. Their love of life led them to travel to all 50 states and visit 100% of major league baseball fields.

Mary was put on this earth to be the model mother for her five daughters and one son: Patricia Catherine Tate (Doug), Teresa Ann Duckworth (Roger), Mary Suzanne "Suzie" Bass (Sonny), Janet Michelle Williams (the late Jeffrey T.), Elizabeth "Liz" Diane Butcher (Jack) and William Stanley Smittle.

She had incomparable devotion to her family. Her children loved and respected her for her kindness, supportiveness, patience when chaos prevailed, generosity of spirit, love of God and country, enthusiasm for life, willingness to help people in need and her intense love and practice of her Catholic faith. She was a lady in every way.

She is also remembered by friends and family most specifically for her hearty laugh and keen sense of humor. She was quick with a joke and a spirited conversation. Her volunteer work was constant and meaningful. She was the proverbial "soccer Mom" through her 35 years of driving to swim and baseball practices. Mary was a diehard sports fan from major league baseball to University of Oklahoma football. "Go Sooners" she would yell. She was an expert bridge player.

Her legacy of love and devotion have been passed on to her 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A special thank you to the incomparable Dina Celestino, along with Lakisha Batts, Emma Bullock, Wilhelmena Smith, Brenda Edwards, Gloria Leake for being Mary's caregivers and devoted friends.

Thank you to Hospice of Wilson Medical Center for their services provided, particularly Christa Goff, RN and Linda O'Boyle, RN, Kim Barnes, SW and Anita Dunston, NA.

he family will be at Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr, N, Wednesday, 7-8:30.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to a Catholic charity or Hospice of Wilson Medical Center, 1705 Tarboro St SW, Wilson, NC 27893.