Obituaries
Celebrating The Life of Mary Jane Benford Smithers
Sunset: January 15, 2023
Obituary
Mary Jane Benford Smithers was born on February 4, 1952,
Benchley, Texas to the late Warren and Mary Ann Benford.
Mary Jane developed a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ at an early age at the Wilson Chapter Baptist
Church, Benchley, Texas. Mary attended Hearne High
School where she graduated in 1970. She received a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A&M in
- On September 28, 1974, Mary married her lifelong
husband, Odis Smithers. To this union two children were
born: Angela and Mark.
Mary had an outstanding career as a registered nurse within
the Harris County Hospital District.
More importantly, Mary loved the Lord. She attended
Lakewood Bible Institute, Houston, Texas; graduated in the
Ministry of Children. Mary was a faithful volunteer in the
Children’s Church at Lakewood Church of Houston, Texas,
where she cared for infants and toddlers on Sunday
mornings for many years. She also volunteered at Glorious
Way Church of Houston, Texas.
Mary enjoyed baking (her specialty was sock-it-to-me cake)
and cooking; gardening; and vacationing in Orlando,
Florida. She never hesitated to go on an adventure.
Mary Jane Benford Smithers was preceded in death by her
husband, Rev. Odis Smithers; her parents, Warren, and
Mary Ann Benford; and three brothers, Warren Lee
Benford, Johnny Ray Benford, and Rev. James Lee Benford.
Mary is survived by her sisters Cora Daniels, Josephine Hill,
and Thelma Wilborn; her brothers Wayman Benford,
Leonard Benford, and “Timmy” Benford; daughter, Angela
Yvette Smithers; son, Mark Anthony Smithers; and
grandson N. Cameron Smithers; and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service:
Saturday, January 28 at 11 o’clock
Daniel & Son Funeral Home 401 W 18th Street Bryan, TX 77803
Visitation Services: Friday, January 27, 2023 from 2:00P.M. until 6:30P.M. at Daniel & Son Funeral Home located at 401 W 18th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803
