Mary Elizabeth Smith Brown , 66, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, was born on February 6, 1957, to the late Henry Allen Smith, Sr., and Virginia Lucille Watson Smith. After a courageous health battle, Mary departed this earthly life on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Mary Washington Hospital.

Mary was educated in the Fredericksburg City School System and graduated from James Monroe High School. She continued her education and attended Saint Paul's College, and Strayer University where she obtained a degree in Computer Information Systems.

In 1961, she was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ at the New Light Church of Christ in Dumfries, Virginia, under the leadership of the late Bishop Jessie F. Pemberton. At the age of 12 she received the gift of the Holy Ghost. She later attended True Deliverance Church under the leadership of Elder James Dudley until her health declined.

Mary was employed for over 41 years at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and received numerous awards when she retired in June 2018. Mary enjoyed cooking, antique shopping, gardening, attending church, reading her bible, singing, and praying. She absolutely loved her children, and her dog patches.

Mary leaves a loving legacy to her three children, Adriana R. Brown, and Jessica R. Brown, both of Fredericksburg, VA, and Anthony G. Brown of Fairfax, VA; one uncle, "Silas" L. Watson, Jr.; one aunt, Brenda Gray; six siblings, Victoria Crenshaw, Deborah Smith, Faith Smith Owusu, Latina Smith, Robert Smith, and Henry A. Smith, Jr.; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of other relatives.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. Elder Lynn W. Beanum, Jr. will officiate the service. The interment will be held privately at a later date at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fredericksburg, VA.