Mary Lou (Grimes) Smith

Mary Lou Smith, 76, of Staunton, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Augusta Nursing and Rehab in Fishersville. She was born in Keokee, Virginia on October 23, 1948, a daughter of the late Arthur and Olga Grimes.

Mary worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for many years and along with her husband, worked as a Dry Wall Installer. She loved watching different preachers and singing gospel hymns. Mary enjoyed flowers and helping take care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Garland Smith; step-son, Stanley Smith; brothers, John Grimes, Glen Grimes, Gary Grimes, and Jim Hammonds.

Survivors include her daughter, Stephanie Benson; son, Scotty Sandlin; step-daughter, Teresa Truslow; step-son, Robert Smith; grandsons, Derek Sandlin and John Benson; granddaughter, Mackenzie Bauer and mother to  great grandson, Wyatt Bauer; Tara Moore, mother of great grandsons:  Kymani Sandlin, Peyton Sandlin and Liam Sandlin; siblings: Patricia Reed of Tennessee; Martha Cottrell of Florida, and Shirley Parsons of Florida; as well as extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at  Middle River Church of the Brethren, 2077 Knightly Mill Rd, Fort Defiance, VA, at 5pm on Saturday, August 23, 2025 with Pastor Kathleen Michael officiating.

Memorial donation may be made in Mary’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, by visiting www.alz.org/cwva.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to Middle River Church of the Brethren for their thoughts and prayers. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at Augusta Nursing and Rehab for their compassionate care of Mary.

She was a loving and dedicated mother, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother. Though she has gone home to be with the Lord her legacy of faith, kindness, and grace will live on in the hearts of her family for generations. May you rest in peace. We will love you always and you will be missed.

“There are no goodbyes for us. Where ever you are, you will always be in our hearts.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to Charlton and Groome Funeral Home in Fishersville.

Share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com. 

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