Mary Jean Smith, affectionately know as “Mama Jean”, was born on August 3, 1935 to the late Roy Lee Russell and Fannie Mae Mahaffey Russell in Winder, GA. Mary Jean joined Barber Creek Baptist Church in Statham, Ga., where she was a member for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing. She worked for years at Wayne Poultry in Pendergrass, Ga., where she retired and resided in Statham. Mary Jean was united to the late Willie Lee Howard and in that union came five children. She was later united in marriage to the late Paul Smith of Jefferson. Mary Jean Smith departed this earthly life peacefully on Saturday, May 18, 2024. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son Delford Howard; sister Mary Sue Mayweather; granddaughter Brittney Howard. She leaves behind to cherish her memories her daughter Debbie Barnes; sons Rev. Ricky Howard and wife Deborah, Lamont Howard, all of Statham, and Bernard Howard of Jefferson; sister Betty Jo Mayweather of Statham; 18 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives; special niece and nephew Linda Williford and Michael Mayweather; special friends Mary Louise Chappell, Fayette Hunter, Carolyn Kelley, Carolyn Hutchins, Easter Berry, and Dorothy Grant. A Graveside Service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Barber Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga., 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.