Mary Gwendolyn Smith (Gwen), 79, of Houston, TX, passed away on May 8, 2026. Born on August 11, 1946, in Crowley, LA to George Thomas Keys and Mary Joyce Williams Keys, Gwen and her family previously lived in Owego, NY. Then, her husband and she moved to Texas. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Major George Thomas Keys, USMC (Ret) and Mary Joyce Williams Keys; beloved husband of over 40 years, Kenneth Edwin Smith; daughter Mary Georgina Sullivan, and niece Lon Clement Davis.

She is survived by her sisters Katherine Reeves (Mike) and Rebel Landers; brothers John Britt (Leslie) and Tony Britt (Amy); grandchildren Patricia Sharpe, Kenneth Sharpe (Jenna), and Nova Douglas whom she and Ken raised; and five great-grandchildren, Aviana, Anaya, Daylan, Ethan-Wayne, and Kenneth-Scott; grandnieces Gabrielle Cole (Jacoby), Jillian Knapp, Brooke Courmier Smith (Jamie) and Laurel Britt; and grandnephews Elijah Davis, Jeramie Britt, and Jack Britt; great-grandnieces Maeve Cole and Alora Courmier; and great-grandnephews Dagan and Nigel Doyle.

Gwen was notorious for running things as we are sure she is doing in heaven. She managed the openings of many of the Western Steer Restaurants. She was scheduled to lead a social media class at Lone Star the week she joined Ken in heaven. She taught cooking classes and often helped others in their decisions to move to Lone Star as an Ambassador to this wonderful complex.

Mary will be deeply missed by her family, many friends, extended family members, and all those where she and Ken lived at Lone Star Senior Living in Houston who knew and loved her. The family would like to express deep gratitude to the Manager of Lone Star as well as the staff.

In Mary’s honor, donations may be made to Lone Star Senior Living Garden fund, 10680 Westbrae Pkwy, Houston, TX 77031, (713) 541-9991.