/ Corinthians 13:2-13
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and
understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and
though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned, but have
not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy;
love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not
provoked thinks no evil;
6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies,
they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will
cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish
away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that
which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I spoke as a
child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child;
but when I became a man, I put away childish
things.
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to
face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just
as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the
greatest of these is love.
Active Pallbearers
Lance Panton Linwood Ardis
Vincent Mathis Nathaniel Brown
Len Lawrence Kenneth Joe
Mo nor ary Pallbearers
Lucy Laney Chapter #20, Order of the Eastern Star
Katie Lamar Assembly #28, Order of the Golden Circle
Stoklin Court #173, Order of the Daughters of ISIS
Mary McCloud Bethune, #468, Order of the Eastern Star
11th District American Legionnaires and Auxiliaries
Augusta Chapter of the NAACP
Jn Appreciation
The family of Mary Smith Way express their warm and sin-
cere gratitude to all who have shown many loving ways to
express acts of kindness during our loss. The calls, flowers,
cards, gifts, prayers and words of comfort will always be
remembered. May God bless each and every one of you.
~ The Family
Special thanks to caregivers,
Carrie Ross, Rosa Carter, Cassie Landers and
Trinity Hospice for their care, support and kindness.
Memorial donations may be made to
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Outreach Program,
the Alzheimers Association,
or a charity of your choice.
W. H. Mays Mortuary
Professional Service A Family Tradition Since 1922
1221 James Brown Boulevard
Augusta, Georgia
(706) 722-6401
A Celebration of Life
for
Mary Smith Way
Sunrise
May 17, 1923
Sunset
February 20, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
12:00 Noon
Mount Calvary Baptist Church
1260 Wrightsboro Road
Augusta, Georgia
Reverend Clyde Hill, Sr., Pastor - Officiating
Reflections of Jfife
Mary Smith Way died peacefully in her home on Saturday, February 20,2010. She was
loved and respected by her family and friends as well as many people in and outside of
this community. Mrs. Way was a loving and giving person who made a positive differ-
ence in more lives than we can count. She was a dedicated wife to the late Raymond
Way and a devoted mother to her daughters. She loved children and would help and
encourage them in any way that she could.
Mrs. Way was born May 17, 1923 in Edgefield, South Carolina, the third oldest of six
siblings. After living a few years in Edgefield and Jacksonville, Florida, the Smith fam-
ily settled in Augusta where Mrs. Way married, raised her family and engaged in many
charitable works. She became an active member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church at a
young age.
Mrs. Way served as President of Calvarys Progressive Adult Club, was a member of the
Sanctuary Choir and the Birthday Club. She initiated many fundraisers including the
first Hat and Tea Party. Mrs. Way joined the NAACP in 1966 and became a Life
Member. In 1974, she organized the first annual NAACP Banquet to raise funds for the
struggling organization donating much of the food herself and cooking the meal with
the help of some of the members. (The Gala was held in the Pilgrim Civic Room on
Laney Walker Blvd. and the cost of the banquet ticket was a mere five dollars). Today,
the annual NAACP Banquet is held in January in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..
Mrs. Way was instrumental in establishing the NAACP Youth Council. The council was
granted a charter by the national department on September 14, 1970. Mrs. Way was
awarded the Freedom Award at the annual NAACP State Conference in 1982. She
served on the MCG Sickle Cell Advisory Board. Mrs. Way was the Past Worthy Matron
of the Lucy Laney Chapter #20 Order of the Eastern Star, Past Loyal Ruler and Youth
Director of the Katie Lamar Assembly #28 of the Golden Circle, Order of the Eastern
Star, and Past Illustrious Commandress of Stoklin Court #173 of the Daughter of ISIS.
Because of failing health, she demitted to Mary McCloud Bethune #468, Order of the
Eastern Star. The youth group was named the Mitchell Way Youth Group in her honor.
She was the initial organizer of the Belle Clarke Youth Group in 1976. Mrs. Way was a
member of the Phyllis Wheatly Branch of the YWCA in which she served as Chairman
of the Committee on Administration. She served on the Board of Directors of the
Greene Street YWCA 1975-1978. Mrs. Way was a charter member of Neighbors
United, a tight-knit group that supported one another in times of sorrow and triumph.
She was awarded the Woman of Excellence Award at Bethel AME Church in 1998. Mrs.
Way organized the Carter Way McDaniel American Legion Post Auxiliary 235 in 1987.
The organization was granted a charter in 1988. She served as president and as a part
of the Executive Board until 2004 when her health began to deteriorate. She initiated
the Miss 235 contest which raised funds for scholarship awards of $550.00 annually for
fourteen years. Mrs. Way served as the American Legion Auxiliary 11th District
President. Being a member of organizations that offered funds, support and assistance
to Veterans, to those in need, senior citizens and children was Mrs. Ways way of doing
the most good for the most people. She believed and advised others if you put your
trust and faith in God, he will make a way out of no way.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Ann Birden and brothers, James and Allen
Smith. Mary Way leaves to cherish her memory; two devoted daughters, Veronica Way,
RN and The Reverend Rosalyn Panton, Deacon Saint Albans Episcopal Church; three
grandchildren, The Reverend Thelma Monique (Vincent) Mathis, Associate Rector of
Saint Pauls Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia, her precious Simone Sweeper from
whom she was inseparable and Lance Christopher (Nikita) Panton, CEO, LP
Productions, Oak Park, Michigan; two sisters, Clotene Kirkland, Kissimmee, Florida
and Irene (Nathan) Thomas, Bronx, New York; nieces, Stephany (Michael) Byrne,
Orlando, Florida, Dianne (JP) Elliott, Atlanta, Georgia and Sheila Smith, North
Augusta, South Carolina; nephews, A1 Smith, Raymond Smith, Atlanta, Georgia and
Linwood (Marilyn) Ardis, North Augusta, South Carolina; sister-in-law, Bernice Smith,
North Augusta, South Carolina; adopted daughter, Millicent Peek and adopted grand-
daughter, Charlene Peek, Atlanta, Georgia; long time close friend, Willie James
Cummings, Roxbury, Massachusetts; and a host of relatives and friends.
Order of Service
Processional
Selection..................................................Choir
Scripture...............................Minister Shirley Norman
Prayer................................Reverend Archie Waltower
Selection..................................................Choir
Reflections (3 minutes please).The Reverend Billy Alford, Rector
Saint Albans Episcopal Church
Dr. Charles Smith, President
Augusta Branch NAACP
Sis. Bell Clark, Past Worthy Matron
Lucy Laney Chapter #20 Order of the Eastern Star
Deacon Eddie Hardy, Wardman
Mount Calvery Baptist Church
Solo.....................................Sis. Beverlyn Coping
Acknowledgements............................Dr. Lula Williams
Obituary........................................Read Silently
Solo...................................Bro. Trey McLaughlin
Words of Comfort.....................Reverend Clyde Hill, Sr.
Recessional
Interment................................Southview Cemetery
Repast
Pauline Lewis Memorial Activity Room
Mount Calvary Baptist Church