Obituary of Mary Smith Combs

Mary Smith Combs, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother passed away August 31, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Mary was born in Greensboro on September 8^th, 1929, to Luther and Lottie Smith and grew up, along with her sisters, Katherine Brande, Virginia Cockman, and Grace O’Brien and her brother Andrew Smith in the mill villages of Proximity and Revolution Mills. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

 

In 1951 she married Broidia “Bud” Combs, to whom she was married for almost 67 years before his death in 2018. Mary was a long-time employee of Terminal Freight Company, and for many years she was a volunteer at Cone Hospital. In retirement she and Bud traveled extensively. Favorite trips included Australia, Hawaii, Nova Scotia, and Mission, Texas where they wintered for many years and enjoyed numerous trips to Mexico. They were avid square dancers and established wonderful friendships and created great memories through their dancing.

 

A faithful member of Northside Baptist and Rankin Baptist churches, Mary was a strong Christian who could often be heard humming or singing the old hymns that brought her much comfort during her illness.

 

Mary’s greatest love was her children, daughter Lisa Combs Gabel (Tim) and son Eric Combs. She absolutely adored her two granddaughters, Colby Gabel (David Moore) and Kelsey Gabel Ratliff (Trey Ratliff) – her face beamed with pride every time she saw them. She has a close and loving relationship with her many nieces and nephews.

 

The family is deeply grateful to Mary’s niece Becky Tolbert and husband Danny for their dedication and love shown to our mother during her years of decline. Whether it was assisting with activities for the TerraBella residents, or just visiting and reminiscing with Mary, your thoughtfulness and kindness was steadfast, and we thank you for that.

 

The family extends our deepest appreciation to Kay and Randy Lee and the entire Newnam family for being caring, thoughtful, and supportive Cherry Lane neighbors for over 55 years.

 

To the loving staff of TerraBella Greensboro Senior Living Center, and to the caring staff from AuthoraCare Collective Hospice of Greensboro, thank you for the exceptional care you provided that allowed our mother to live her life with dignity and grace while battling Alzheimer’s.

 

Lastly, the family would like to thank our mother and grandmother for teaching us the importance and beauty of treating everyone with kindness and respect. You modeled these attributes in every facet of life and always saw the best in people. What a wonderful gift you’ve left us with! That, along with your cheesecake recipe, we will carry forever.

 

Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home is handing all arrangements, and condolences can be posted on their website. No memorial service is planned. A family gathering will be scheduled at a later date.