Mary Ellen Smith

August 22, 1953 — June 13, 2025

A Daughter. A Wife. A Mother. A Grandmother. A Sister. A Friend. And above all — a Woman of God.

With a smile that radiated above the clouds of life’s hardships, Mary Ellen Smith was an icon in every sense of the word.

Born on August 22, 1953, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Mondale Hearn and Edna Howell, Mary Ellen was the heart of her family. She was loved dearly by each of her siblings and carried herself with grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

She received her education through the Hughes High School system in Cincinnati. From a young age, she was affectionately known as “May” and “Joe” by those who cherished her most — names spoken with love, laughter, and reverence.

Mary Ellen was a righteous and holy woman, giving her life to God at an early age and planting seeds of faith that would bloom throughout her lifetime. She lived her life with dignity, compassion, and deep devotion to the Lord. On April 3, 1972, she married her sweetheart, Dennis Smith Sr., and together, guided by the hand of God, they raised three beautiful children: Salisa “Lisa” Smith, the late Brian “BB” Smith, and the late Dennis Smith Jr.

A devoted servant of the Lord, Mary Ellen worshipped faithfully, often watching online services by Dr. Charles Stanley. She made it a mission to share Bible scriptures, encouragement, and the promises of God with everyone she encountered. Her faith was not merely spoken — it was lived. Through her words, her example, and her prayers, she sowed love, kindness, and spiritual wisdom into the lives of her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Alongside her ministry of faith, Mary Ellen was a compassionate and dedicated housekeeper at Little Sisters of the Poor, where she worked diligently and retired after years of heartfelt service.

On June 13, 2025, Heaven welcomed home a righteous woman, a holy woman, a woman of excellence, and a soul deeply treasured here on earth.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Mondale Hearn and Edna Howell; her beloved sisters Dolores Powers and Diane Walker; her cherished sons Brian “BB” Smith and Dennis Smith Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband Dennis Smith Sr., her daughter Salisa “Lisa” Smith, her son Eric Smith, and her adoring grandchildren Christopher Dozier Jr., Morris Glenn Jr., Eric Smith Jr., Erica Smith, Erion Smith, Erionna Smith, and one soon to arrive. She is also survived by her loving siblings Ricky Howell, Deborah Lowe, Patricia Howell, and Shirley Hyman, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

Mary Ellen Smith’s legacy is one of holiness, faith, family, resilience, and radiant love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation at Newcomer Cremation-Funeral-Receptions 3300 Parkcrest Lane Cincinnati, Ohio 45211, Friday June 20, 2015 from 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Service at 12:00 PM. Burial at St. Joseph New Cemetery.