Reverend Mary E. (Mims) Smith, 88, was born on May 22, 1936, in Aiken, South Carolina, to the late Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Mims. A proud native of Aiken, she later relocated to Connecticut, where she spent many years of her life.
She was called home on Jan. 2, 2025, at the Arden House Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hamden, Conn.
Reverend Smith was married to the late Oscar Smith, Sr., and together they were blessed with six sons.
She was a devoted member of the former Christ Chapel New Testament Church in New Haven, Conn., where she served faithfully for many years.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Southern Connecticut State College. She then went on to work as a social worker at both Winthrop Continuing Care Home and Helene Grant School, both located in New Haven, Conn. She continued her work in social services until her retirement.
She had a deep love for cooking, spending time with her family, and singing. Her favorite gospel singer was the legendary Mahalia Jackson. When asked to sing, she would often grace us with the words of the song “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me.”
She leaves to cherish her memory four sons: Oscar Jr., Theodore, Michael, and Duncan Smith, all of New Haven, as well as a host of other relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Oscar Smith Sr., and three sons, Felix Smith, John Henry Smith, and Willie James Mims.
Additionally, Reverend Smith was the last surviving member of a family of nine siblings, all of whom had predeceased her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Love Center, 154 Derby Ave., New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit our website at www.hkhfuneralservices.com