Marie Long Smith of Hampton, VA went to be with the Lord on May 5 ^th ,2021 at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her parents William "Bill" Pinkson Long, Nettie Caroline (Buchanan) Long, her late loving husband and friend of 53 years, Millard "Smitty" Smith Jr, and daughter Jackie Long Smith. Marie is survived by her loving sister Jean Pittman of Hickory, North Carolina

An amazing mother that was wonderfully devoted to her four children survived by daughter Janet Rowe (Charles), daughter Marcia Rowe, son Duane Smith, and daughter Jill Milton (Bryan).

She was a loving "Nana" Grandmother to Caroline Rowe Sullivan, Charlie Rowe, Matthew Rowe, Tommy Rowe, Eric Rowe, Kady Smith Brown, Duane "Bubba" Smith, Daniel Milton, and Tayler Milton Lebakken, plus 17 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  All of which she loved and inspired deeply.

Marie was born in Spruce Pine, North Carolina on June 17, 1934.  She grew up in Hickory, North Carolina where she then met the love of her life Millard F. Smith Jr. at Longview Baptist Church. Shortly after Marie and Smitty were married, they opened a TV shop in Longview, North Carolina. The couple settled a few years later in Hampton, Virginia after Smitty served our country in the United States Army. Business was always a passion for Marie and Smitty which led them to own and manage many businesses in the Hampton area which included ABC Upholstery, Speed Wash in Phoebus, Buckroe Amusement Park, and S & S Furniture. These businesses gave them countless friendships and partnerships within the community.

The word "retirement" was never in Marie's vocabulary as she continued working part time at Rios Hair Salon, serving the community with Meals on Wheels, countless hours gardening, trips with Club 55, and active member of Fox Hill Baptist Church.  She was also a devoted caretaker for many of her grandchildren.

Most of all Marie loved her family and instilled strong values that have served them well. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She was proud and loved her role as a "Nana" where she built loving relationships with her grandchildren and great grandchildren that will last a lifetime. Marie cherished her ritual Sunday gatherings where she would cook and spend time with her beloved family. She had an outgoing personality and always made friends anywhere she went!  She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 10, 2021 from 5-6 p.m. at R Hayden Smith Funeral Home, located at 245 South Armistead Ave. Hampton, VA 23669. A funeral will be conducted on May 11, 2021 at 2p.m. at Fox Hill Road Baptist Church in Hampton, VA, and graveside service to follow at Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton, VA.   The family will receive friends at a reception following the graveside service at 4 pm at Fox Hill Road Baptist Church.

As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Fox Hill Road Baptist Church.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15