Mary L Smith

Mary L. Smith, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and cousin, was born in Dublin, Georgia on December 26th, 1940. She transitioned peacefully at home with her beloved daughter in Somerset, New Jersey, on May 13th, 2024. She is predeceased by her parents, Jerry Wells Sr., Mary Neal Wells, and her brother Gregory Wells. 

Mary's life displayed love and devotion for her family and community.

Her dedication to her family knew no bounds. She cherished every moment spent with her daughter Kimberly Colaire (Jefferson), son-in-law Jefferson Colaire, grandchildren Ashlee Colaire and David Colaire (Miriam), and great-grandchildren Isaiah Colaire and Eliana Colaire. Her love extended to her siblings Jerry Wells Jr. (Rosemary), Pecola Wells, Gloria Wells, John Wells (Alberta), Tyrone Wells (Estella), Bruce Wells, Anthony Wells Sr. (Elizabeth), Dwayne Wells, Larry Wells (Elaine), William Wells, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her faith in the Lord was unwavering. She became a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset in 1975 and remained a member for 49 years. Mary actively participated in various church ministries, including catering ministry, and has served faithfully as Vice President of the Senior Usher Board.

Mary had an incredible heart for service, which led her to volunteer for Canvases for Savings Bonds, United Way, and Special Olympics, among others. She generously supported local community organizations such as the Zakee Bowser Enrichment Foundation (ZBEF), Sister2Sister, Ladies in Waiting International, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

In addition to being an active member of her church and her community and volunteering extensively, she also dedicated herself professionally at Ethicon (Bridgewater, NJ), where she worked tirelessly across various departments for forty-nine years before retiring in 2017. Her commitment extended beyond work into serving as Treasurer of Union Local #630.

Despite all these responsibilities, Mary found time to enjoy life by traveling extensively—embarking on over 150 cruises across multiple countries while also partaking in numerous bus tours to Broadway plays and museums with friends, including those from First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens.

We cannot forget to mention Mary's exceptional cooking and baking skills, which brought joy through delicious meals and desserts prepared from scratch and left lasting memories for everyone who had the privilege of tasting them!

She also maintained a healthy lifestyle by enthusiastically participating in fitness classes. She particularly enjoyed Zumba sessions at Johnson & Johnson's Live For Life wellness program, which ensured a good quality of life.

The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported Mary during her final years. They extend their thanks and acknowledge God’s grace for allowing them precious time together filled with love, prayers, generosity, talents, and laughter. The created memories will be cherished and held close until we meet again.

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." II Cor 5:1