Mary Smith Nicely

Mary Smith Nicely, 89, Johnson City, passed away peacefully at the Johnson City Medical Center on Tuesday, November 27, 2012. A native of Erwin, TN, Mary was preceded in death by parents Reece and Elizabeth Deal Smith, sister, Edna R. Smith and brothers Reece Smith, Jr., Gilbert Smith, Jack Smith, Bennie C. Smith and Joe K. Smith. Mary is survived by sister-in-law June Smith Wilson of Johnson City, several nieces and nephews, and the staff of Pine Oaks Assisted Living with whom she shared a mutual love as a second family during the last eleven years. Marys family is deeply appreciative for the attentive care and friendship given to Mary by the staff at Pine Oaks. After graduating Unicoi County High School, Mary worked as a teller at Erwin National Bank, where she was well-known for having the longest line of customers waiting to transact business with her so they could get a dose of her smile and cheer. During her marriage to Glen Nicely from 1952 to 1972, Mary lived in Nashville and Greenville, TN for several years during the 1950s and early 1960s. She moved to Johnson City in 1962 where she remained until her death. Mary was a member of Central Baptist Church. In 1972, Mary was the first woman in Washington County to run for election to a county office. Shortly after a narrow loss in the election, Mary opened the Johnson City Mall as its first manager. Mary left the Mall several years later to return to the financial industry where she worked for ten years as a loan office examiner for the State of Tennessee before retiring. Marys funeral will be Friday, November 30, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Morris-Baker North Chapel. Rev. R. Willard Warfield will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Friends and family may honor Marys life and continue her legacy by giving a cheerful smile, unqualified respect, and kindness to others.