Mary Helen Carroll

Mary Helen Carroll was born March 17, 1935, the only child to the late Hattie Carroll (Briscoe) and Arty Carroll in Washington, DC, and was raised in Nanjemoy, Maryland. She was 87 years old when God called her home on December 31, 2022. Mary Carroll was affectionately known as Mary Helen by her family and friends. Mary Helen had a smile that warmed up a room, a big heart, and her presence was felt. Mary Helen birthed one son, the late Darrell “Gregory” Smith, a talented drummer to his home church Holy Temple Church of Christ, a father who enjoyed basketball and weightlifting. Mary Helen received her early education in Charles County, Maryland Public School before moving to Washington, DC. She was one of the first in her family to attend college, where she attended Morgan State University to major in Math/Chemistry. Mary Helen also took community courses at PG Community College to further her education.

Mary Helen was an avid Book reader of Mystery/Suspense novels and loved crossword puzzles, word puzzles, and games, playing Tetris on her Gameboy, sewing, watching QVC and HSN, cooking, and reading The Washington Post. She enjoyed spending time with her cousin and best friend, the late Peggy Moton, where they would take family trips to Massanutten Resort and shop at their favorite stores, Macy’s, JC Penny’s, and K-Mart. Mary Helen was usually seen as the last one standing at the family cookout “Crab Table” and received accolades for her famous Potato Salad and Lemon Meringue pie. She often sat in front of the TV watching Joel Olsteen and Fredrick Price to feed her spirit. She loved the library and walking around Tucker Road Park in Fort Washington, MD. She always enjoyed a good hearty laugh with family and friends, and spending time with her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Mary Helen was a faithful member of the National Church of God, Ft. Washington, Md., where Bishop Jonathon E. Ziegler, II resides. During her membership there, she served in the Lady's Choir and Anniversary Community for many years and loved the church so much that she dedicated a pew in honor of her late son. She attended the National Church of God Bible College, where she furthered her knowledge of the Gospel. She was a strong woman in God and was a prayer warrior. She knew the word of God, and she was a faithful Bible reader. She was loving, caring, and just a sweetheart to everyone. Mary Helen was a giver even when she fell short, and Mary Helen always made sure those she loved were cared for no matter the sacrifice. Mary Helen never held back how she felt about a person rather if it was good or bad, Mary Helen would let you have it. She was sharp with her words, and could cut like a knife, but she always ended the day with “You know I love you”.

Mary Helen’s employment history spanned many years when she retired from Safeway Grocery, where she was a bag carrier and cart collector. She retired from Bell Atlantic Telephone Company in the early 90s, where she was known as a super secretary for 20 plus years, and then from the Department of Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., where she worked as a secretary until 2020 when she was no longer able to work.

In the summer of 2022, Mary Helen was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She did not let the diagnosis of Cancer defeat her. On December 19, 2022, she became ill with an infection that took over her body. Although she became weak, she still stood firm in the Lord and was mentally fighting this sickness. She fought many illnesses, and her mind always remained sharp as a tack until the end. With God on her side, she fought a good fight of faith. Her family and those who loved her are grateful to have had her in their lives. She has touched the hearts of so many people. We Love You Mary Helen and will cherish you in our memories and hearts forever. To date, she was our oldest family member. Mary Helen Carroll is preceded in death by her (Mother) Hattie Carroll, (Father) Arty Carroll, (Son) Darrell Gregory Smith, (Cousin) Peggy Moton, and (Aunt) Virginia Haskel. She leaves behind to cherish her memory a loving and devoted (Granddaughter); Syreeta Smith, and grandsons, Marcus Smith, Christopher Smith, and his wife Tia Smith; (Daughter-in-law); Elfrieda “Renata” Smith and (Great-Grandchildren) Harmony Smith, King Joseph Barrett, Nicole Smith, Kashston Smith, Chlo'e Smith, and (Bonus great-grandchildren) Kendall Stevenson and Cayden Stevenson.