Mary Ussery Smith

Mrs. Mary Ussery Smith, affectionately known as “Ma,” passed away peacefully at her home on December 9, 2025, at the age of 81. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Lower Macedonia Memorial Gardens, officiated by Brent Taylor. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the cemetery.

Born on December 18, 1943, in Anson County, NC, Mrs. Smith was the daughter of the late Rufus Jackson Ussery, Sr. and Viola Stafford Ussery. A graduate of Wadesboro High School, she devoted many years to her role as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary was a member of Lower Macedonia Baptist Church and a former employee of Cheraw Manor, where she was known for her caring nature.

She will be fondly remembered for her cooking skills, particularly her homemade biscuits and deer meat, and for her helping her husband cook their famous pork skins. Mrs. Smith had a deep love for animals, especially her cats and dogs, and was a lifelong fan of Tweety Bird. She also enjoyed watching Rev. Jimmy Swaggart sing and preach.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Tammus Edward “Tommy” Smith; her brother, Jack Ussery, Jr.; and her nephew, Jack “R.J.” Ussery, III.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her daughters, Leigh Taylor of Peachland, NC, and Tonya Dixon (Joe McIntyre) of Patrick, SC; her grandchildren, Josh (Morgan) Carpenter, Sheila (Bryan) Usrey, Makayla Kapitan, and Kayleene Kapitan; and her great-grandchildren, Eli, Anastasia, Skylar, Rhett, Kinsleigh, Zayn, Malachi, and Jaylynn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lower Macedonia Baptist Church, 5267 Teals Mill Road, Chesterfield, SC 29709.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Smith family.