Mary Ann Pierce Whelchel Smith

Mary Ann Pierce Smith, 88, passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on May 7, 2016. For anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Mary Ann, they know that the world lost one of the sweetest souls; the woman who made everyone feel like they were her favorite person, important and unconditionally loved. Her family and many friends remember her beautiful contradicting complexities – passionate about history and tradition, but fiercely independent; gentle and kind, but strong and courageous beyond her time; the strength of her family and many friends. Mary Ann passes on her love of reading, of history, tradition, and travel, of entertaining and of a good party, but most importantly of family, friends and an infectious joy for life. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Hugh Whelchel; brothers, Howard Whelchel and Hugh Whelchel; husbands, John E. Pierce and Clint Smith. Survived by children, Mary Pierce (Bruce Mitchell), John Pierce (Janis), Martin Pierce (Dawn), and Boo Hauck (Dean); Grandchildren, Catherine Lewis (Michael), Stephen Rideout (Nikki), Shanze Lee (Jenna), Kimmi Chapman (Devin), Andrew Hauck (Kristen), Martin Pierce (Lauren), Jennifer Lail (Josh), Ian Hauck (Katie), Joanna Cook (Steven), Erich Hauck (Jennifer), Jonathan Pierce (Maggie), and Catherine Wallace (Christopher); 21 great grandchildren; Brothers, Mike Whelchel (Carol) and John Whelchel (Susan). Mary Ann was an active member of the community throughout her life and spent her working years serving as an educator and media specialist. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sanford, where she was baptized, married, and later served as an elder. She attended Brenau College in Gainesville, GA, FSU, and received a Master’s degree from Stetson University. She was a member of Markham Woods Presbyterian Church; Delta, Delta, Delta; Delta Kappa Gamma Education Society; PEO; Junior League of Daytona Beach. She taught school in Ormond and at Lake Mary Elementary and was a Media Specialist at Lake Mary High School. A memorial service will be held at the Markham Woods Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 11 AM. A luncheon reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 (HopsiceoftheComforter.org) or Markham Woods Presbyterian Church, 5210 Markham Woods Rd., Lake Mary, FL 32746 (mwpcusa.org)

Mary Ann Pierce Whelchel Smith

September 30, 1927 - May 7, 2016