Mary Smart

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Mary Beth Smart, 83, Carthage, died at 8:34 a.m., Saturday, May 14, 2016. 

She was born Mary Beth Stark on May 24, 1932, in Wheaton, MO, to Ralph Leland Stark and the former Verna Belle Dopp. She grew up in Columbus, KS, where at age 5 she survived the 1938 tornado that devastated West and Northwest Columbus, injuring 200 and killing 10. The family moved to Carthage, MO in 1942, where Mary Beth attended Eugene Field Elementary School and Carthage High School. She excelled as a student and participated in music, band, orchestra, and choir, where she sang and played the oboe. Mary Beth was employed as a secretary at the Carthage Extension Office on the square, the practice of the late Dr. Russell Smith, and H.E. Williams, Inc. 

While working at the Extension Office, a co-worker introduced her to the love of her life, Marvin Elvin Smart. The two shared their first date on February 22, 1951 and married on June 17, 1951, at the First Baptist Church of Carthage, MO. They remained wholly devoted to each other for the rest of their lives. They moved to Visalia, CA in 1961, and settled in Ojai, CA in 1967, where Mary Beth was employed as registrar at Villanova Preparatory School from 1974-1985. Mary Beth and Marvin returned to Carthage, MO in 1996. Already an accomplished pianist and vocalist, Mary Beth advanced her vocal expertise under the tutelage of the late Lilah Oldham Wallace of Carthage, MO, and world-renowned vocalist, the late Margaret Ann “Peggy” Norcross of Ojai, CA. She attended vocal master classes at the Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA, and participated in the Santa Barbara Opera Workshop. Mary Beth had a stylistically diverse vocal portfolio, from opera to Southern Baptist hymns, frequently performing in a wide range of venues throughout Southern California and Southwest Missouri. She served as vice president of the Ojai, CA Chapter of the Ventura County Symphony Association, and until the decline of her health, was an active member of the Carthage First Baptist Church and the Carthage Musical Devotees, which supports musical curriculum in schools and the community through funding and local talent. 

Survivors include a daughter, Tracy Ann Smart of Carthage, MO; a brother, Pastor Glenn C. Stark (Linda Stark) of Riverton, KS; a sister, Margaret A. Barlet of Joplin, MO; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Michelle Eger, (the late Melissa Lyn Smart and John Eger) of Fort Wayne, IN. Mary Beth’s parents preceded her in death. Her beloved husband, Marvin, succumbed to cancer on January 26, 2002, as did their daughter, Melissa Lyn Smart, on September 17, 1995, after refusing treatment to give birth to her daughter. 

Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 at Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage, MO. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18 at First Baptist Church with Reverend John Davidson officiating. Mary Beth actively supported our Troops by mailing care packages to deployed personnel. In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Mary Beth’s patriotism and generous spirit, memorial gifts may be made to Operation Gratitude in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday May 18, 2016 at the First Baptist Church of Carthage. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday May 17, 2016 at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.