Mary Jane Smoot

Mary Jane Smoot, age 85 years, a resident of Goreville, Illinois and a former resident of rural Vienna, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 28 2024, at 5 P.M. at SIH – Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Mary Jane was born June 2, 1939 in Anna, Illinois. She was the daughter of Samuel and DeLois (Lingle) Davis. Mary Jane was united in marriage to Carl T. Smoot. He preceded her in death on January 30, 2013. Mary Jane is survived by her children – DeLois Fisher of Vienna, Illinois, James (Joyce) Kimmel of Vienna, Illinois, and Carla (Dale) Foskey of Cobden, Illinois; grandchildren – Wade (Danielle) Stevens of Vienna, Illinois, Misty D. (Scott) Harris of Vienna, Illinois, Jacob Stevens of Vienna, Illinois, Andrew (Jennifer) Kimmel of Vienna, Illinois, Caleb (Harley) Palmer of Goreville, Illinois, and MaCayla (Abe) Lara of Cobden, Illinois; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; a sister – Loretta Dittman of Buncombe, Illinois; 2 brothers-in-law – Leon Penrod and Rodney Lacey; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends. Mary Jane was anticipating the upcoming birth of a great grandchild as well as a great-great grandchild. Mary Jane was preceded in death by: her parents – Samuel Davis and DeLois Reynolds; a grandson – Tommy Kimmel; siblings – Joyce Russo, Mary Ann Penrod, and Darlene Lacey; and a special friend – Noble “Toby” Barnette. Mary Jane was a 1957 graduate of Dongola High School. She was a homemaker but had worked at many jobs throughout her lifetime. She is fondly remembered as a “Jack of All Trades.” Mary Jane played many instruments and was the lead singer for the musical group, The Sharecroppers. She enjoyed drawing and sewing and is remembered as a wonderful cook. She was noted for her fried chicken and homemade yeast rolls. Mary Jane loved her beloved feline companion, Baby. Mary Jane was a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, near Buncombe. The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 PM – 7 PM Friday, January 3, 2025, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Private interment will be at a later date in Christian Chapel Cemetery near Dongola, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Mary Jane Smoot

June 2, 1939 - December 28, 2024