It is with a heavy heart that the family of Mary McNeish Smith of Elkview announces that on September 23rd she lost her long and courageous battle with cancer. Mary, or "Bitsy" to her friends and family, was born to Thomas A. McNeish, Sr. and Patricia Brooks McNeish of Beckley. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1965 and from Marshall University in 1969. She taught art at Piedmont Elementary and Capital High School until she retired in 2003. She is preceded in death by her mother Patricia Brooks McNeish. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Thomas of Elkview, and a son Ryan of Charleston. She is also survived by her 89 year old father, Thomas A. McNeish Sr. of Beckley and siblings Patricia Darlington (Larry) of Beckley, Thomas McNeish Jr. (Teresa) of Beckley, Rebecca Charlton of Daniels, and a special nephew Chris Charlton of Cincinnati.

As per her wishes, there will be a direct cremation with no viewing. Friends can meet Saturday from 1-3pm at Elk River Nazarene Church in Mink Shoals to share memories and happy times. There will be a brief memorial service for family and close friends at 3pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation to Hubbard Hospice House be made in her name. The family would like to thank Dr. Jubelirer and his staff as well as Dr. Ned Tiley for their efforts over the years in helping us through difficult times.