A Locally Owned and Operated Funeral Home Serving Granbury, Texas
Mary Helen Strain Smart
Mary Helen Strain Smart, 66, passed away January 24, 2022 in Granbury, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1PM at Martin’s Funeral Home in Granbury, Texas.
Below is the obituary Mary had written for herself,
“I was born June 25, 1955. I have always knownI was adop…read more
Mary Helen Strain Smart, 66, passed away January 24, 2022 in Granbury, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1PM at Martin’s Funeral Home in Granbury, Texas.
Below is the obituary Mary had written for herself,
“I was born June 25, 1955. I have always knownI was adopted, but it never bothered me since I was only 6 months old at the time. I always knew I was loved. My adoption was unique because I had 2 brothers and 1 sister. The 2 oldest were adopted by a couple in Granbury. Mike and I went to a couple in Fort Worth. We saw Pat and Gale every weekend. To me, this was normal. Berta Faye and TJ Strain were the perfect parents. There was always love. As I grew up, I was told who my biological parents were and I never held it against them because they gave me a wonderful life by giving us up. I had a great life both good and bad. The good was great, I had a daughter at 19, way too young, but it worked. She and I grew up together. She was such a blessing. The bad was, Mike, Momma and Daddy died. Mike in 1974, Momma and Daddy 1983. Legally I was on my own at 28, but blood wise I still had a brother and sister (Pat and Gale). Around 1996 we met 2 more siblings, Cathy and Joe. I always knew there were 2 others behind me but never thought I would ever meet them because they (Cathy and Joe) had a private adoption, where as Pat, Gale, Mike and I had an open adoption. The 5 of us have had a good time getting to know one another. Time really does fly by quickly when you are in enjoying life.
I met the love of my life in 1976 but neither one of us were interested. We came in contact again around 1995 and enjoyed each other’s company so much we got married in 2001. I truly could not have married any else. According to Forest Gump, we go together likes peas and carrots.
I have always had a ton of friends. I was closer to some more than others and you know who you are. I have always said I want a sad sad funeral, but as soon as its over have a party and remember all the good times and know I’m up there watching over you.
Preceded in death: brother: Michael Frank Strain; Dad: TJ Strain; Momma: Berta Faye Strain
Those who carry on without me: husband of over 20 years: Ron Smart; daughter: Miranda Hake, and a ton of cousins and friends.
Under the direction of Martin’s Funeral Home, Granbury, Texas.
hideService Information
Service Information
Date: Saturday, February 5, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm
Martin's Funeral Home Chapel
Life Event Timeline
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Kim Goldston posted on 2/4/22
Mary Helen was an amazingly funny person. I so enjoyed working with her. She trained me and we got it off right from the start. She cracked me up all the time with her funny stories. She loved snakes… lol… not. I’m going to miss you sweet friend. I know that your up there making people laugh. Love ya gal
Jackie Hixson posted on 2/3/22
Although I never met Mary Helen, I have known her sister, Cathy, for several years, and my prayers are with Cathy & her extended family. I am always here to listen to wonderful stores about Mary Helen…much love to you my friend.❤️
Leianne Gregory Babaa posted on 2/3/22
Aunt Mary Helen, I remember when you worked at the bank in Benbrook and every time my mom or dad would take me up there you would get me lots of lollipops!!! I always thought you were so pretty and loved your strong personality! Although I have not seen you in quite a while, I will always treasure the memories I have of you. Until we meet again and with all the love in the world, Leianne
Marilyn Carlile Nappier posted on 2/3/22
My sincere condolences to Mary Helen's beloved family. I knew her in high school and we lost touch for many years. But she and another old friend reached out with a dinner invitation and it was wonderful to see them. We picked up right where we left off. Mary Helen was that kind of friend.
Bill Horn posted on 1/29/22
My sincere condolences as well as from Cahoots. She and her friend used to come see our band quite often back in the late 70's. She had a smile so bright it could light up the darkest of rooms.... RIP
Gloria Hoade (cousin) posted on 1/28/22
We will miss you always and love you forever MaryHelen. Now you are with your Mother, Daddy and Brother!
Jennifer R Johnson posted on 1/27/22
I love you friend!!!!! Till we meet again
LaDonna Dennis Davis posted on 1/27/22
Mary & I met back in high school. I have such fun, great memories of us. Such a loving, caring lady she was. Her laughter & smile will never be forgotten. RIP dear friend. We will meet again someday. Prayers to all.
Cindy Dennis Phillips posted on 1/27/22
So Sorry for your loss❤️ Mary Helen was a BEAUTIFUL person inside and out. She will be missed by many ❤️❤️
Tweedi Strain Jones posted on 1/27/22
My dear cousin ❤️I too knew you were adopted but to us Strain Gang mother use to call us !! You, Mike,Pat and Gale was always a part of the Strain Gang .. my favorite and I have so many was your birthday and we went on the Icky Twerp show !! I’ll never ever forget that !! BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY EVER !! Wow !! I’m going to miss you so much .. I remember our last long long visit a year ago mid January after Barbara Strain’s funeral at Bit and Becky’s. What a beautiful time you and I shared .. we talked about you cancer and mine . We talked about so much memories we shared .. even after that you and I called each other several times !! I believe that was a calling for you and I to be together again after so many years . Even though we did see each other when I was in Granbury , but they were short visit :( I’m so blessed to have you in my life for 66 years .. you were always my favorite because our birthday were so close and you would alway remind me I was older and laugh !!! Until we meet again my beauty I’ll always will have you in my heart ❤️
Becky Valuck posted on 1/27/22
I an so glad to have met Mary Helen, thanks to my parents. She was such a sweetheart, and so funny. Sending prayers.
Joyce Burks Dorsey posted on 1/27/22
My first distinct memory of Mary Helen was when she was about 4. She came to church with Pat and Gale and she was carrying a little black velvet purse. It was a round box and the top opened like a lid. We were all fascinated and we passed it among the little group of girls, opening and closing it and feeling the velvet. Until someone handed it to Mary Helen without snapping the latch closed. It fell open and all Mary Helen’s little treasures fell out- onto the tile floor. Everything in it must have been round because things rolled for what seemed like minutes in every direction. And MH threw back her head and laughed. That was the first time of many that I heard that laugh. When you hear it you can’t help but laugh, too! And we did… right in the middle of church. I so loved her attitude about life.
My family and friends were please with the exceptional service we received from a very professional and considerate staff. Everything was organized and well presented. I don’t think my mother could have asked for a better service.
© 2022 MKJ Marketing
© 2022 MKJ Marketing
Kelly Reeves posted on 2/4/22
I have so many memories of Mary Helen -growing up with Miranda she was a great mom-we had our good days swimming in the pool and sleep overs and then our bad days when we got caught doing something we should not have been doing - but through it all Mary Helen always gave us a smile in the end and loved us no matter how crazy we got. Her love for Miranda shown through every day- Thanks for making my childhood so much fun you will be deeply missed.