Mary Madgeline Delaney-Smith

Mary Madgeline Delaney Smith was born in Sunflower, Mississippi, on March 16, 1945, the 10th of 11 children born to Joe Delaney Sr. and Pearlie Mae Brown. Mary departed this life on July 25, 2026, at 4:30 a.m., at the age of 81.

Mary moved to Chicago in 1954 at the age of nine years old. Mary attended Sumner Elementary School and John Marshall High School, where she graduated in 1964. Shortly after, in 1966, she started working at Spiegel Department Store until 1972 and then at Aldens Department Store from 1972-1982.

She met James Smith Sr. in 1980, and they later married in 1990, remaining married until his death. She embraced the faith as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1985 and was baptized in 1998, remaining faithful until her passing.

Mary was a loving, caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who brought joy and laughter to all she encountered.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Delaney Sr. and Pearlie Mae Brown, her son, Kwan Delaney, her brothers, Willie, Earl Lee, Floyd, Robert, Joe Jr., Roosevelt, and Mack; her sisters, Dorothy and Emma; and her granddaughter, Kayla.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories her four children: her son, Keith (Joann); her three daughters, Karen, Kashan, and Kesha (Anthony); her stepsons, James Jr. and Anthony; her stepdaughters, Teresa and Lashon; her only living sister, Rosie; 21 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves a very special friend, Evelyn Jones, a special niece, Tawanda Delaney, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.