Mary Smith

Mary Inez Smith, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, March 5, 2004, at Monticello House in Jackson.

She was born Dec. 5, 1910, at Clayton, Mo., daughter of B. Hugh and Bessie Burris Smith.

Smith received a B.S. degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University and a master of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Smith's distinguished teaching career spanned 43 years, including 35 years in the English Department at Cape Central High School and eight years teaching at Clarkton, Mo., and later Poplar Bluff, Mo.

In 1974, she was named Outstanding Classroom Teacher by the Southeast Missouri Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. During her career she also had several articles published in School and Community magazine.

Miss Smith was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, the Southeast Missouri District Teachers Association and the National Education Association. She was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a sister, Irene Wright, Cape Girardeau; a niece, Sally Owen, Cape Girardeau; and a great-nephew, Dr. Stephen Owen of Radford, Va.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. There will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held.

Those wishing to do so may offer memorials to Centenary United Methodist Church.