Mary Lynn Smith, 88, of Frederick County, Virginia, died Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury.
Mrs. Smith was born in 1929, outside of Urich, Missouri, the daughter of the late Elmer and Zola Doll.
Mrs. Smith grew up in Missouri and was a true Midwesterner at heart. She was talented at quilting, sewing and embroidery, helped start many quilt clubs including three in the Winchester area. Her quilting work is part of the collection at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. She instructed and inspired many fellow quilters in the artistry of the medium.
Mrs. Smith was a member of Kernstown United Methodist Church and was instrumental in the establishment of Heart Havens, here in Winchester, a home for the developmentally disabled.
She married the late Murray Elwin Smith in 1952 in Kansas City, Missouri and was his true-life partner throughout their 59 years of marriage, providing the quiet, elegant strength that was her hallmark. She epitomized the selfless sacrifice of her generation, strong in her faith, high in her expectations and quick with her laugh.
Surviving her are three sons, David Elwin Smith and wife Anne of Troy, Virginia, Richard Murray Smith and wife Christine of Midlothian, Virginia, and Daniel Dean Smith of Winchester, Virginia; four grandchildren, Andrew Elwin, Allison McKenzie, Christopher Murray and Jason Arthur; and her brother Kenneth Doll and wife Jean of Kansas City, Missouri.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury Chapel with Reverend Elizabeth Lewis officiating. Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to benefit the Saratoga House of Heart Havens, Inc., make check payable to Winchester UMM, Attn: Steve Cunningham, 111 Senseny Glen Drive, Winchester, VA, 22602.