Mrs. Mary Evans Peoples Smith, known as "Nana or Nana Pop" of 630 Barbara Jane Ave. departed this life on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at her home following a short period of illness. She is bound for her new heavenly home to rejoice forever more, according to God's plan. Mary was born June 23, 1935 in Chester, SC to the late Gertrude Baity Evans and the late John Evans.

Mary spent most of her life in W-S, NC and was educated in the W-S/FCS System. Her occupation was a domestic worker for many years and she attended Emmanuel Baptist Church for many years.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Smith; daughter, Brenda Miller; son, Hiawatha Peoples; and three brothers, Alphonso Evans, Robert Evans, and Julius Evans.

Mary was a loving mother of seven children and is survived by five of her seven children, Doris Peoples Hairston of the home, James Peoples, Jr., Elizabeth P. (Ronald) Hamilton, Charles Smith, and Mary Madgeline Smith all of the city; eight grandchildren, Rodney Peoples, Reginald Hairston, Roderick Hairston, Rhonda Faye Hairston, Oscar Strange, John Miller, III., and Keia Smith all of the city, and Rosalyn (Jeffery) Squirewell of Charlotte, NC; six great-grandchildren, Eric Hairston, Reginald Hairston, Jr., Brandon Strange, Ashely Strange, Bryan Strange, and Tantanea' Lewis all of the city; five great-great-grandchildren, Khyland Hairston, Jousha Goosby, Kendall Williams, Kameron Strange, and Brianna Strange; one brother, Richard Evans of the city; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 10am until 11am on Saturday at the Chapel.