Marie Elizabeth Smith Pryor
Marie Elizabeth Smith Pryor, a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 28, 2025.
She was born in Chattanooga, on Feb. 8, 1961, to the late Kenneth J. and Doris Smith. At the young age of 10, Marie accepted Christ as her Savior, setting the foundation for a life filled with faith, service, and kindness. A proud graduate of East Ridge High School, Marie was known for her love of basketball and her energetic spirit on the court. She also played softball at East Lake Baptist Church, where she grew up, and cherished many fond memories of those days.
Marie’s love for her community extended beyond sports. She enjoyed countless hours at the East Ridge Pool with her boys and their friends, a place that became so dear to her that she was invited to serve on the pool board. Her love for water and spending time in the pool was something she shared with her family, especially with her grandchildren. Swimming with them, playing pool games, and taking beach trips brought her immense joy. These moments became some of her most cherished memories.
Professionally, Marie worked as a dental office manager for her brother-in-law, Dr. Rick Ratchford, and built deep, meaningful relationships with patients, whom she cared for like family. Her passion for children was evident in the time she spent nurturing and caring for little ones in the nursery and Mother’s Day Out program at Brainerd Baptist Church. She had a radiant smile and a fantastic sense of humor, and was a constant source of light to all who knew her.
Her greatest joy in life, however, was her family. She found immense happiness in the company of her beloved grandchildren, Riley and Jacob, and treasured every moment spent with them.
Marie is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 44 years, Donnie Pryor, her children, Jeremy (Rachel) Pryor and Cody Pryor, and her cherished grandchildren, Jacob Charlie and Riley Marie Pryor. She is also survived by her siblings: Kenny (Sammye) Smith, Sheree (Ricky) Ratchford, Kathy (Kenny) Kimsey, and Becky (Stan) Cushen. Marie’s love extended to several nieces and nephews: Joey (Emily) Smith, Casey Smith, Heather (Jason) Wamack, Brooke (Keven) Flanagan, Kendra Kimsey Rucks, Kris (Callie) Kimsey, Spencer Cushen, and Katie Cushen.
Marie’s impact on her family, church, and community will never be forgotten.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at Brainerd Baptist Church BX. The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Brainerd Baptist Church with Dr. Curtis Hill, David Rojas and Rev. Barry Wilks officiating. Burial will follow at Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Marie’s favorite organizations: Brainerd Baptist School or Brainerd Baptist Church Children’s Ministry.