Mary Helen Odell Smith

Mrs. Mary Helen Odell Smith, 89, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. She was born in Crisp County, Georgia, on November 9, 1936, the daughter of the late Helen “Little Mama” Walden. She began her work career at First National Bank of Mount Airy and later retired from the Surry County Clerk of Court. Mrs. Smith was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Jack Smith; her children, Diane Waters (Mike), Donna Martin (Wesley), Dave Odell (Rhonda) and Doug Odell (Amelia); her stepchildren, Fred Smith (Lori) and Lee Ann Smith Belcher (David); her grandchildren, Brandon Odell (Leeann), John Odell (Katie), Drew Martin (Chaning), Erika Goings (Tracy), Maggey Odell, Jesi Evans, Evann Shelnutt, Brad Waters (Ashley), and Brian Waters; her great-grandchildren, Wren Waters, Eva Waters, Carter Goings, Logan Goings, Luke Martin, Augustus Martin, Mary Mason Odell, and Grady Odell; and her sister, Kathy Cashman (Chris). In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Davis Jarrell “D.J.” Odell; and her brother, Terry Walden. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Airy, with Rev. Alex L. Martin officiating. The family visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. A private entombment will be held at Skyline Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 314 South Franklin Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is entrusted with her arrangements.