Mary Elaine Rushing Smith, 78, of Clinton, Mississippi, died on Thursday, February 25, 2016, in Natchez, Mississippi. Born Tuesday, August 31, 1937, in Tylertown, Mississippi, in Walthall County, she was the middle of 9 children of the late Elisha and Lilie Mae Rushing.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Clinton where she served her Lord devotedly in a variety of areas, including as coordinator for WMU and member of the prayer writing ministry, flower ministry, and the Joy Makers choir. She dearly loved her Open Hearts Sunday School class. Elaine also served as the recording secretary of the GFWC/MFWC Maids and Matrons Club of Clinton.

Elaine was the faithful wife for 55 years to her dear Richard who met the Savior first in September of 2015. Elaine worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for 10 years and as secretary to Bowmar Avenue Baptist Church and Daniel Memorial Baptist Church. She liked cooking, sewing, crocheting, reading, and spending time on the computer.

She is preceded in death by son, David, and daughter, Margaret Elizabeth. Surviving are sons William Smith (Melanie), Perry Smith, and Carl Smith (Martha); daughters Caroline Resch (Tony) and Debra Smith; 4 brothers; 9 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 29, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Clinton with Brother David Eldridge and Brother Ramey Hankins officiating. Interment will be in the Bolton Cemetery in Bolton, MS.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home, 106 Cynthia Street, Clinton, Mississippi, and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.