Mary Bess (Smith) Harvill

June 14, 1954 - August 11, 2020

On August 11th, after 7 years of 3-times-weekly dialysis, Mary Bess Harvill passed away at the age of 66 at Medical City Denton of cardiac arrest following surgery. Mary was born in Era, Texas and graduated high school there. On June 28, 1975 she married Louis Marion Harvill III. She left college, where she was a semester away from becoming a teacher, shortly before the birth of their daughter Angelina in 1980, and stayed at home to raise her, and their son Louis Harvill IV, born in 1984, in their house in Gainesville. Mary was always focused on taking care of others before herself. She was a loving wife and managed the household with patience and kindness, even through severe childhood illnesses and always supported her family with gentle strength. Above all, she enjoyed the company of her family. Mary was a great mother to more children than her own, helping to raise a generation of kids on Lynwood Street in Gainesville. Without ever formally becoming a teacher, she taught many children important lessons and helped them to grow into better adults. Mary was a grandmother long before her grandson Quin arrived in 2018, taking great joy in spending time with and taking care of her great nieces Ryleigh and Reese, and her great nephew Cayden. She cherished her grandson Quin, and showed her husband every photo of him, read to him, played with him, and snuggled with him every time he visited. Our lives are all less in her absence, and everyone whose life she touched is better for having known her. She made people smile, celebrated others, and made sure to help people find their way when they wandered. She loved with an amazing heart and an energy that were never too tired or depleted to help. She is survived by her husband of 45 years Louis Harvill III, their daughter Angelina Harvill, Son Louis Harvill IV, his wife Rae, and their son Louis “Quin” Harvill V. By her sisters Cheryl Gibbs and her husband Ronnie, Jane Zimmerer and her husband Ronnie, brothers Jerry Smith and his wife Betty, and Thomas “Tommy” Munroe Smith JR. and his wife Janet. She is preceded in death by her parents Essie and Thomas “Chuck” Munroe Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be sent to The National Kidney Foundation, a volunteer organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney and urinary tract diseases.