Mary Smith

DEXTER, Mo. -- Mary Jo Smith, 67, of Dexter died Friday, June 28, 2002, at Missouri Southern Health Care.

She was born May 6, 1935, in Gray Ridge, Mo., daughter of Manual and Daisy Rusche Welch. She first married Louie McCollough, who preceded her in death. She and Charles A. Smith were married Sept. 5, 1972.

Smith was a retired telephone operator with Southwestern Bell. She was a member of Sweet Prospect General Baptist Church, and also attended the Word of God Church.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Michael McCollough of Dexter; three stepsons, Chuck Smith of Bloomfield, Mo., Mike Smith of Advance, Mo., David Smith of Dexter; three stepdaughters, Marie Oliver and Lisa Smith of Bloomfield, Kelley Edwards of Dexter; three brothers, Bob Welch of Dexter, Bill Welch of Huntsville, Ala., Mike Welch of Hattiesburg, Miss.; 16 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

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

Graveside service was held Monday at Dexter Cemetery, with the Rev. Doyle Corlew officiating.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.