Mary Ann McKeithan

It is with much love that we announce the passing of Mary Ann Smith McKeithan, a cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, who left us peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 86. Born in Rocky, Oklahoma, on February 1, 1940, Mary Ann was the youngest child and only daughter of Merle (Reynolds) and the Reverend Doctor Charles Edward Smith. She grew up in a home filled with gospel and love in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In her final years, she often spoke fondly of her happy childhood and the treasured memories made in the beloved Smith family home on North Park. After graduating from Shawnee High School, Mary Ann attended Oklahoma State University, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. It was during her time at OSU that she met the love of her life, David, at a Sigma Chi Christmas party. Mary Ann was a loving and devoted wife to David for nearly 64 years. In the early years of their marriage, David and Mary Ann made their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Omaha, Nebraska, and ultimately settling in Houston, Texas, where they raised their three daughters. Mary Ann had a servant’s heart. She devoted her life to helping others through countless charitable and civic organizations. A gifted fundraiser and talented event planner, she had a remarkable ability to bring people together for causes she believed in—and she never met a party she didn’t love. Her passion, leadership, and generosity touched innumerable organizations throughout Houston, making it impossible to list them all. Among the organizations she held most dear was the Houston Symphony League, where she served in numerous leadership roles, including President and Ball Chairman. In recognition of her extraordinary service and dedication, she received the Symphony League’s prestigious Ellen Kelley Award. Her commitment to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation was equally meaningful. She served as Chairman of the CCFA Winter Ball and was honored as a Woman of Distinction for her outstanding leadership and service. Throughout the years, Mary Ann also chaired many of Houston’s premier charitable events, including the Houston Ballet Ball, the Cattle Baron’s Ball, and the American Heart Association Ball. She served on the Board of the University of St. Thomas Performing Arts Center, was President of the Moore School of Music, spent several years on staff as Program Director for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and was involved with Baylor College of Medicine’s President’s Council and Houston Methodist Foundation. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to philanthropy and community service, Mary Ann was honored as an ICON by St. Jude and was recognized in the Social Book as a “Houston Treasure.” While she was deeply honored by these recognitions, she found her greatest fulfillment in quietly serving others and making a difference behind the scenes. Words of encouragement, cards, phone calls…Mary Ann knew how to connect with people and make them feel special and included. She leaves a legacy of generosity and compassion that will be felt for generations to come. Along with her beloved husband, David, she leaves behind her proudest legacy, her three daughters and sons-in-law: Mary Lynn and Ferdy Khater, Melissa and David Burke, and Megan and Armando Rosell. She was the loving and devoted Mimi to her ten grandchildren: Nicholas David Khater, Noah McKeithan Khater, Mary Alexandra Khater, Madison Ann Burke, Mary Caroline Burke, Meredith McKeithan Burke, Armando James Rosell Jr., Alexander David Rosell, SarahAnn Louise Rosell, and Lucianna Rhea Rosell. She is also survived by her only living sibling, Oris Dale Smith (Sandy) of Dallas, along with a host of extended family and dear friends who loved her deeply. To her ten grandchildren, Mimi possessed the rare and beautiful gift of making each one feel uniquely special and unconditionally loved. She was so proud of them and made sure they knew it. Her example of kindness, generosity, helping others, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in their hearts and inspire them always. A memorial service honoring Mary Ann will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10221 Ella Lee Lane, Houston, Texas 77042. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to both her devoted caregiver, Stephanie Fowler of Visiting Angels, and Lydia Maier, close family friend, for the love, compassion, and exceptional care they provided during the final chapter of Mary Ann’s life. They are also deeply grateful to AccentCare Hospice for their guidance, kindness, and unwavering support in helping navigate her journey home with dignity, peace, and grace. Their care made Mary Ann’s final days truly beautiful and brought great comfort to David and the girls. Memorial donations may be made to one of the three causes closest to Mary Ann’s heart: Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384; Houston Symphony Endowment, 615 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002; or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Mary Ann McKeithan

February 1, 1940 - June 30, 2026