Mary Gallion Smith was born Mar. 20, 1965, and passed away Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at the age of 57.
Mary moved to DeRidder with her parents and her two younger sisters when she was in 7th grade. She was an exceptional artist and after graduating from DeRidder High School, in 1983, she went on to study fine arts at McNeese State University. She married the love of her life, Dennis Smith, on Jan. 21, 1992. They were happily married for 31 years. Mary and Dennis had one child, Miranda Taylor.
Some of Mary’s greatest joys came from being a mom to Miranda and a wife to Dennis. They created many memories together, searching for buried treasure, traveling the state rodeoing, and dancing the nights away to their favorite music. Mary also loved camping and canoeing with her friends, vacationing with her husband, playing board games and cards with her nieces and nephews, and spending time with her many friends and family (including her beloved dogs).
On Aug. 14, 2022, Mary and Dennis became grandparents to their only grandson, Grant Walker Abbott. Mary spent her last six months on this earth caring for Grant, teaching him to play peek-a-boo, singing him to sleep, and telling anyone who would listen that he was finishing his first thesis since he was so advanced. She was so proud of her daughter, her favorite son-in-law, and her grandbaby.
Outside of her immediate family, Mary also loved hundreds of rodeo kids as they made their way through DeRidder Riding Club in the 15+ years she and Dennis served. All the love that Mary shared with her friends and family will live on in the many people who love her.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis Smith; daughter, Miranda Abbott and husband, Jordan; grandson, Grant Walker Abbott; mother, June Gallion; sisters, Robin Bonds and husband, Michael, and Angela Gallion; brother-in-law, Donnie Smith and wife, Sandra Smith; nieces and nephews, Cody Smith and wife, Jessie, Alyssa Warren and husband, Chris, Jacob Montoya, Malia Montoya, Mia Bonds, and Mikayla Bonds; great nieces and nephews, Journie, Piper, Seeley, Zeke, Camille, and Sawyer Faye; extended children, Gustavo Flores and Paige Abernathy and husband, Bobby; and extended rodeo family.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Gallion; father-in-law, Jimmy Smith and wife, Sue Smith.
The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. with the funeral service following at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Grace Church, DeRidder. Pastor George Lee Glass officiated.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
