Mary Evelyn Tomlinson Smith, 91, died Sunday April 18, 2021.

She was predeceased by James R. Smith (Jimmy); her father, George Tomlinson; mother, Ressie Mae Richardson Tomlinson; siblings, Vida Pearl Sheffield, Alice M. Strong, Elizabeth (Betty) L. Johnson, and John Harris Tomlinson, Sr.

Born in Lanier County, Lakeland, Georgia to Ressie and George Tomlinson. Her family moved her to Savannah at age ten where she eventually met the love of her life Jimmy. She was a strong-willed, hard working, determined, independent matriarch of the family. Always the favorite relative at family reunions because of her gregarious nature and avid storytelling that captivated everyone that came in contact with her. She received many accolades from the city of Savannah as a school crossing guard with zero absenteeism during her fifty-two-year tenure. Mary was the best southern cook around as noted by her thriving forty-plus years in her catering business.

She is survived by her children, James Patrick Smith, Joyce S. Smith, Teresa S. Tanguay (Joey Tanguay), Deane Brown (Barry Brown), Herbert F. Hubbard (Shirley Hubbard); grandchildren, Rachael S. Heath, Tara S. Helmly, Eve Daniel (Cecil Daniel), Hope S. Workman (Mark Workman), Christopher J. Smith (Sarah Milton), James S. Hubbard (Susan Hubbard), Jeffery S. Hubbard (Melissa Hubbard), Joy H. Spidle (Matt Spidle); 14 great- grandchildren, and 1 great-Great grandchild.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 23, 2021 at St. James Catholic Church. The family will receive friends on hour prior to the Mass.  Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.