Mary Catherine Edwards Smith, also known as “Cat” was born in Lemoyen Louisiana on October 11, 1942. She was the First-born Child to Mansel and Irma Edwards.

Her Childhood was spent enjoying being “down the lane” with her Cousins, and in the kitchen with her Mother and Grandmother. This is where she developed her passion for cooking.

Mary attended primary school and graduated from Lincoln High in Morrow Louisiana. She continued her education at Wichita Business College, obtaining a Secretarial Certification. She used this to work as a Payroll Clerk for the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, for Sixteen plus years. 

Because of her Love for Cooking and Baking, Mary decided it was time to pursue a lifelong dream of opening her very own Restaurant. So, with the encouragement from Family and Friends, C&S BBQ Mardi Gras Restaurant was opened.

Over the next 20 years, she cooked and catered to the enjoyment of all who were fortunate enough to experience it. Two (2) locations in Branson Missouri, one (1) in Wichita Kansas and an additional one (1) in Newton Kansas, and one (1) in Santa Ana California.

Mary was talented in so many ways. She made and sewed all our clothes when we were small. Made Pottery, painted with watercolors, and by the way, did you know she knew how to play the Guitar? She was taught to play by one of her favorite Uncles, Bubba Euell.

But, out of all of her accomplishments, Mary most enjoyed being a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend.

Mary married Charlie “Sweet Peas” Smith, The Love of her Life, on December 26, 1962. From this Union of 55 years four (4) Children were born. Mattie Louise, Cathy Marie, Irma Loraine and Éric Charles Smith.

Our Mother and Father worked hard to make sure we as their Children had a good life. She planned Family Vacations and made sure we made it back “down home” as she called it, to attend as many family functions as possible.

In her later years, due to her health, Mary was unable to travel as much as she wanted to. So, she filled her days with keeping in touch by phone, text and Facebook with family and friends.Reading her Bible, watching her favorite television programs, reminiscing with her brother Dooka about the “good ole days” and playing Candy Crush. And listening to Music, oh how she loved her music.

Preceding her in Death is her Husband Charlie C. Smith and her Sister Ruby Lee Payten.

Mary leaves behind to forever cherish her memory her Children.Mattie Louise Smith, Cathy Marie Smith, Irma Loraine Jack and Eric Charles Smith. Grandchildren: Shaylan, Gavin, Des’re, Micah, Jayden, Seaven, Avarie. Great Grandchildren: Brookelle, Rylan, Lilah, Sir, Aurora, Adalynn, Jazani and Estella Dawn. Brothers: Robert B. Edwards, James Edwards, Manuel Edwards. Special Friends: Kayla Marshall, Bankina Kazadi, John Ford. And of course, a host of Beloved Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and Friends.

We the Family would like to take a moment and thank EVERYONE who thought of us….Prayed for us….Sent a text…. Made a call….Cooked a Meal….Provided shelter….Cried with us….Laughed with us….Contributed Financially. But most of all Thank you for Loving and Caring about our Mother.

Love,

The Smith Family.