Marie Benton Smith

March 11, 1927 - March 15, 2022

Service for Mrs. Marie B. Smith 95, of Kennard, will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2022, in the New Hope Baptist Church, in Kennard. Interment will follow in the New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m., till 7 p.m., in the Colonial Mortuary Chapel. Mrs. Smith was born on March 11, 1927, in Germany Texas, and died on March 15, 2022, at her residence. On March 1 1, 1927, Mrs. Marie "Big Mama" Benton-Smith, the third of eight children (five girls and three boys) were born to the late Robert and Gussie Shampine Benton in Crockett, Texas, (Germany Community). Marie was the last surviving sibling. Marie accepted Christ early in life and was baptized at New Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She attended school in the Germany community and graduated from Clover High School. After high school, she attended Tyler Beauty College where she received her license in Cosmetology. She later met and married Camell Fields, Sr. in 1945; and to this union eight beautiful children were born. Marie worked as a Beautician for several years before starting a career in healthcare, as a CNA, then as a Home Care Provider. She later moved to Kennard, Texas, where she joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor J.S. Walker. Marie served as a member and Choir President, as well as an avid member of other auxiliaries in the church. She became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening and cooking, especially baking for her loved ones and friends. Marie loved reading the bible, and her favorite scripture was Psalms 91. Marie departed this life on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, in Kennard, Texas at the age of 95. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gussie Shampine Benton; her husband, J.B. Smith; son, Carnell Fields, Jr.; daughters, Mamie Brice, Barbara Fields-Joseph and Carolyn King; grandchildren, Patrina Brice and Reginald Davis; great-granddaughter, Regina Davis; sisters, Manie Benton, Exie Mae Parks, Thelma Mitchell and Erma Turner; brothers, John Benton, Willie Benton and Willkie Benton. She leaves to cherish her memories: four daughters, Janie Washington (Raymond) of Houston, Texas, Bertha Clark (Vernell) of Atlanta, Georgia, Theresa Fields of Kennard, Texas, Dornesa Bell (Rodrick) of Baytown, Texas; daughter-in-law, Joanne Fields of Lufkin, Texas; stepsons, Billy V. Mask, Curtis Mask, Wydell Smith Sr. and Carter Smith; goddaughters, Shalimar Turner and Taylor Adair; twenty six grandchildren; twenty nine great-grandchildren; Twenty nine great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.