Mary Jane
Education
- Bismarck Township High School, 1949
Favorite Hymns
Mary Jane Smith's Testimony
Thomas said "How can we know the way?" And Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me."
Like Thomas, I would not have found "the way" on my own. There were Christians in Farmers Chapel where my mother took our family to church that were praying for our family as well as many others who attended there. I am so thankful for those prayer warriors. I thank God that He answered those prayers and began to draw me to Himself, "the way."
I am thankful for Herb and his influence and prayers for me. One of the first gifts he gave me was a Bible. I am thankful that God has blessed us with four children. And I am thankful for each of you who pray for us. We cannot take credit for all the good things God has done for us. It is answers to prayers of God's people. You know who you are!
Jesus is "the way." In Isaiah 30:21 the scripture says, "thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying 'This is the way, walk ye in it.' When ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." I also claim a verse in Philippians 1:6 that says, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Our lives may not always be easy because we are pilgrims traveling toward heaven. Hope gives us the strength to keep on, joy makes the journey a happy one, and love draws us to one another so that it is not a lonely journey.
I truly thank our heavenly Father for what He has done and what He has planned for the rest of the way.
Mary Jane Smith
Thanksgiving 2004
Mary Jane's Obituary
Mary Jane Smith, 87, passed away with family by her side on July 8, 2018. Mary was born on January 28, 1931 on the family farm on Liberty Lane in Newell Township, the daughter of James Douglas and Lillian (Meeker) Deck. She married Herbert Dale Smith on October 21, 1951. He preceded her in death on August 16, 2016.
She is survived by her children Stuart Douglas, Steven Craig, Susan Marie, and Spencer Dale. Steven married Sharon Denise Perrin in 1986, their children are Creighton (Esther), Brenden (Lauren) and Regan. Spencer married Madelon Joan Pratt in 1991, their children are Evangeline and Henry.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters Daisy Louise (Sult), Audrey Mae (Clary), Frances Isabel (McFarland), and Josie Ruth, and her brother Floyd James Deck. Her younger brother Bernard Dale Deck survives.
Mary Jane grew up attending Farmers Chapel north of Danville and married Herbert Dale Smith there. From a young age she was active in teaching Sunday School and in the Women's Missionary Society at Farmers Chapel. When she and her husband entered the ministry she continued her work at Pleasant Grove Bible Chapel east of Danville for over 40 years. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, and spending time with her family.
A celebration of Mary Jane's Life took place on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 6pm, with Pastor Doug McCord officiating. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in Mary Jane's name to The Gideons International or Pleasant Grove Bible Chapel.
