Mavis Lavern Smith

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

On August 17, 1957, a precious gift named Mavis Lavern Smith was born to the late John and Carrie Smith in Madison, Mississippi. From the very beginning, Mavis possessed a quiet strength, a loving spirit, and a heart that would touch countless lives along her journey.

Her early years were spent in Mississippi, where she attended Thomastown High School in Carthage and developed lifelong friendships and cherished memories. She united with Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, at an early age where her faith became an anchor throughout life’s many seasons.

Mavis was the kind of person whose presence brought comfort. Her smile could brighten a room, her laughter was contagious, and her love was genuine. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being there when someone needed her, she left an imprint on the hearts of those blessed to know her.

After years of loving, giving, and sharing her light with others, Mavis peacefully completed her earthly journey on May 28, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. at Bayshore Nursing Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Though her earthly chapter has ended, the love she shared and the memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Her greatest treasures were her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children, Raymond Smith, Mario Primer, and Anquan Kemp; six beloved grandchildren, Xavier, Malaysia, Alexis, Derrick, Alex, and DeAngelo; one precious great-grandchild; and her devoted fiancé, Cleotis Hister, who faithfully stood by her side until the very end.

She also leaves behind six loving siblings: Cleveland Smith, Percy Smith, Robert Curtis Smith, Maurice Smith, Vivian Hall (Perry), and Callie Zollicoffer; a vast array of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; her close cousin, Gertrude Luckett; her dear friend, Vernesta Wilder; and her Memphis sisters at heart, Rose and Mary Jane Weatherspoon.

Waiting to welcome her into eternal rest were her parents, John and Carrie Smith; her siblings, Johnnie Mae Smith, John Jeff Smith, and Bessie Lou Primer; and her beloved niece, Letitia Mitchell, who preceded her in death.

Today, we do not say goodbye. Instead, we celebrate a life well lived, a faith well kept, and a love that will never fade. Mavis fought her fight, finished her course, and kept the faith. Her legacy now lives on through every life she touched and every heart she loved.

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