AUGUSTA, Ga. - Mary Smith Way died peacefully in her home on Saturday, February 20, 2010. She was loved and respected by her family and friends as well as many people in and outside of this community. Mrs. Way was a loving and giving person who made a positive difference in more lives than we can count. She was a dedicated wife to the late Raymond Way and a devoted mother to her daughters. She loved children and would help and encourage them in any way that she could. Mrs. Way was born May 17, 1923 in Edgefield, SC, the third oldest of six siblings. After living a few years in Edgefield and Jacksonville, FL, the Smith family settled in Augusta where Mrs. Way married, raised her family and engaged in many charitable works. She became an active member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church at a young age. Mrs. Way served as President of Calvary's Progressive Adult Club, was a member of the Sanctuary Choir and the Birthday Club. She initiated many fundraisers including the first Hat and Tea Party. Mrs. Way joined the NAACP in 1966 and became a Life Member. In 1974, she organized the first annual NAACP Banquet to raise funds for the struggling organization donating much of the food herself and cooking the meal with the help of some of the members. (The Gala was held in the Pilgrim Civic Room on Laney Walker Blvd. and the cost of the banquet ticket was a mere five dollars). Today, the annual NAACP Banquet is held in January in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Mrs. Way was instrumental in establishing the NAACP Youth Council. The council was granted a charter by the national department on September 14, 1970. Mrs. Way was awarded the 'Freedom Award' at the annual NAACP State Conference in 1982. She served on the MCG Sickle Cell Advisory Board. Mrs. Way was the Past Worthy Matron of the Lucy Laney Chapter #20 Order of the Eastern Star, Past Loyal Ruler and Youth Director of the Katie Lamar Assembly #28 of the Golden Circle, Order of the Eastern Star, and Past Illustrious Commandress of Stoklin Court #173 of the Daughter of ISIS. Because of failing health, she demitted to Mary McCloud Bethune #468, Order of the Eastern Star. The youth group was named the Mitchell Way Youth Group in her honor. She was the initial organizer of the Belle Clarke Youth Group in 1976. Mrs. Way was a member of the Phyllis Wheatly Branch of the YWCA in which she served as Chairman of the Committee on Administration. She served on the Board of Directors of the Greene Street YWCA 1975-1978. Mrs. Way was a charter member of Neighbors United, a tight-knit group that supported one another in times of sorrow and triumph. She was awarded the Woman of Excellence Award at Bethel AME Church in 1998. Mrs. Way organized the Carter Way McDaniel American Legion Post Auxiliary 235 in 1987. The organization was granted a charter in 1988. She served as president and as a part of the Executive Board until 2004 when her health began to deteriorate. She initiated the Miss 235 contest which raised funds for scholarship awards of $550.00 annually for fourteen years. Mrs. Way served as the American Legion Auxiliary 11th District President. Being a member of organizations that offered funds, support and assistance to Veterans, to those in need, senior citizens and children was Mrs. Way's way of doing the most good for the most people. She believed and advised others 'if you put your trust and faith in God, he will make a way out of no way.' She was preceded in death by her brother, James Smith. Mary Way leaves to cherish her memory: two devoted daughters, Veronica Way, RN and The Reverend Rosalyn Panton, Deacon Saint Alban's Episcopal Church; three grandchildren, The Reverend Thelma Monique (Vincent) Mathis, Associate Rector of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Atlanta, GA, her precious Simone Sweeper from whom she was inseparable and Lance Christopher (Nikita) Panton, CEO, LP Productions, Oak Park, MI; two sisters, Clotene Kirkland, Kissimmee, FL and Irene (Nathan) Thomas, Bronx, NY; nieces, Stephany (Michael) Byrne, Orlando, FL, Dianne (JP) Elliott, Atlanta, GA and Sheila Smith, North Augusta SC; nephews, Al Smith, Raymond Smith, Atlanta, GA and Linwood (Marilyn) Ardis, North Augusta, SC; sister-in-law, Bernice Smith, North Augusta, SC; adopted daughter, Millicent Peek and adopted granddaughter, Charlene Peek, Atlanta, GA; long time close friend, Willie James Cummings, Roxbury, MA; and a host of relatives and friends. Special thanks to caregivers, Carrie Ross, Rosa Carter, Cassie Landers and Trinity Hospice for their care, support and kindness. *** Pall Bearers: Lance Panton, Linwood Ardis, Vincent Mathis, Nathaniel Brown, Len Lawrence and Kenneth Joe. ***Honorary Pall Bearers: Lucy Laney Chapter #20, Order of the Eastern Star, Katie Lamar Assembly #28, Order of the Golden Circle, Stoklin Court #173, Order of the Daughters of ISIS, Mary McCloud Bethune, #468, Order of the Eastern Star, 11th District American Legionnaires and Auxiliaries and Augusta Chapter of the NAACP. ***Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Outreach Program, the Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice. Reverend Clyde Hill, Pastor will conduct the Celebration of Life Service on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1260 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, GA. The interment will be in Southview Cemetery. The funeral procession will leave from the home at 10:45 a.m. *** The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-6401.
The Augusta Chronicle-February 24, 2010
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