Mary Louise Dunagan Smith passed away on June 23, 2026, in the family home in West Point, Georgia. She had just celebrated her 90th birthday.

Mary Louise was born on June 5, 1936, in LaFayette, Georgia. She spent the best 62-plus years of her life with her best friend and husband, Ronald Burton Smith. She was blessed with a devoted daughter, Jenifer; a devoted son-in-law, Rob Ewing; and one beloved grandchild, Ryver Ewing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Burton Smith; her eldest daughter, Melissa; her mother, Mary Lou Dungan; her father, Edmund Dunagan; and her brothers, William Dunagan, Theron Dunagan, and Edmund Dunagan Jr.

Mary Louise grew up in small towns throughout Georgia, as her father was a Methodist minister whose appointments moved the family to a new community every four years. She was a proud graduate of LaGrange College, Class of 1958. Many of Mary Louise’s classmates from LaGrange College became lifelong friends. Their bond began in college, continued as many of them began teaching school together, and remained strong throughout their lives. This cherished group was fondly known as the “Alum Chums.” Mary Louise often spoke of the Alum Chums and the lifelong friendships they shared. In fact, Mary Louise and Ronald enjoyed dinner every Friday night for more than 45 years with one of the Alum Chums who had introduced them.

Mary Louise was a lifelong educator who taught school in Georgia for more than 30 years, much of that time with the Troup County School System, as well as more than ten years at Springwood School in Lanett, Alabama. She is fondly remembered as a mentor to many students, including some who later chose education as their own profession.

Mary Louise was a delightful servant of God, a firm believer, and a woman of resolute faith. She knew and shared the love of Jesus Christ throughout her life. A lifelong Methodist, she faithfully participated in church activities, prayer groups, and the life of the church over many years.

Mary Louise will be remembered for her loving personality, her dedication to her students, her storybook marriage, and the special way she could both give love and teach others how to love at the same time. She made everything wonderful, whether sitting on a back porch swing, enjoying an opulent excursion, or simply sharing life’s quiet pleasures. She leaves a legacy of kindness, resilience, joy, and faith that will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary Louise was a member of Wesley Methodist Church of LaGrange. Rev. Dr. John Byers will lead a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Marseilles Cemetery, 400–498 E. 12th Street, West Point, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesley Methodist Church of LaGrange, P.O. Box 2170, LaGrange, GA 30241

The Staff at Valley-Point Funeral Home is so honored to be chosen as the professional services provider for the family of Mary Louise Dunagan Smith.