Mary Aileen Smitherman Willis, age 84, of Troy, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 28, 2026, at 11:06 a.m., in Southlake, Texas.

Mary Aileen was born on November 6, 1941, in Troy, North Carolina, to Samuel Guy Smitherman and Aileen McDonald Smitherman, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, John C. Willis.

Mary Aileen was a devoted wife, attentive mother, and the steady heart of her home. She dedicated her life to caring for her family with vigor, commitment, and immense pride. She was a faithful and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Troy, where she found deep community and purpose. Mary Aileen also participated in many local activities and was well known throughout the Troy area for her enthusiasm and involvement.

Mary Aileen will be affectionately remembered for her friendship to so many in the different communities she resided, in particular her home town of Troy that she treasured and where she lived for 60 years, her gifts of conversation and speaking, her superb Southern Hospitality, her passion for tennis, her competitive spirit of playing cards—especially Bridge—along with her love for dancing and gardening, and most of all her playful sense of humor that brought laughter wherever she went.

She is survived by her three children: son, Samuel Eugene Willis and wife Lisa of Mt. Gilead, NC, and their sons, Samuel Jacob Willis(29), John Marcus Willis(27), and Ethan Kieran Willis(25); son, John Todd Willis of Troy, NC, (Mary Willis of Fuquay Varina, NC)and their children, Madison Alexandra Willis(23), Reagan Olivia Willis(21), and Jackson Todd Willis(15); and daughter, Jessica Willis Patterson and husband Charles of Southlake, TX, and her children, Emilia Milena Otoya(21), John Rafael Otoya(18), and Elizabeth Grace Otoya(13).

Mary Aileen’s family will forever cherish her thoughtfulness, care, zeal for life, and the love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she so dearly adored.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Uwharrie Reserve, 540 Vestal Road, Troy, officiated by Rev. Thomas Simpson and Rev. Bobby Tyson. In honor of Mary Aileen’s vibrant personality, you are welcome to wear an outfit and/or colors that reminds you of her.

If you would like to share a story, a toast, and/or a picture(s) during her Life Celebration, text Jessica at 940-395-2619 by May 25th.

In lieu of flowers please donate in memory of Mary Aileen to:

•Trinity United Methodist Church of Troy, PO Box 502, Troy, NC 27371 or •Montgomery County Fund https://nccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=15735

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is serving the Willis family.

Online condolences may be made at www.bumgarnerfunerals.com