Mary Jane Smith was born on July 1, 1947 to James LeGrone Douglas and Callie (McNeese) Douglas in Grenada, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by both parents. In the Spring of 1951, her parents moved the family from Grenada to Fireworks Station, better known as Centreville, Illinois. Early in life, Mary Jane confessed a hope in Christ at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. She later joined Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor A.L.Gee until his retirement. She continued her Christian walk under the direction of Pastor Jerome Jackson, 1st, Sr. During her walk she served as a member of the Women's Choir and volunteered in countless churchactivities.

Mary completed her early education in the East St. Louis School District #189. She went on to complete her Licensed Practical Nurse in January 1975. She went on to receive her BSN in nursing in May of 1985.

In May of 1968, Mary Jane married Johnny James Smith, Jr. and to this union four children were born.

Mary was a CNA at Glennwood Nursing Facility of St. Louis, Missouri. She was a nurse and Director of Nursing at Smithton Nursing Home in Smithton, Illinois. She worked at several nursing positions at Touchette Regional Hospital of Centreville, Illinois, from where she retired after 25 years of employment.

In the early morning hours of Monday, July 22, 2019, Mary heard her Master's voice. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Surrounded by her family, she answered His call.

Mary Jane Smith leaves to cherish her memory her children, Zena (Gregory) Douglas, sister/daughter Princella Staten, Carmennita Smith-Burton, Johnny J. (Melody) Jr. and Victoria L. Smith;  grandchildren Trevor (Andrela) Dismukes, Keiland (Jessica) Nash, Martinez Staten, Kamyia Smith,Taylor Rogers, Darrious Nash, Katera Smith, Aliyah Smith, Livia Franklin, Lily Justice, Dominic Smith and Cameron Smith; Great grand children, Ja' Nya Dismukes, Jailon Pelly, Jaidon Pelly, Riley Nash, Justice Nash and Jaice Dismukes;  Siblings, Herry Campbell of Memphis, Tn., Cynthia Douglas,

Clifford (Marsha) Douglas and James (Carla) Douglas;  In Laws, Bernard Bolden, Mary (Steve)Jethro of Shreveport, La, Flossie Hunt, Everline Barnard of Davenport IA, Linda (Stanley) Harper of E St Louis, IL., Bert (Viola ) Wise, Fred Fobbs,Sr. and Pearl Liddell all of Chicago. Illinois.