Mary Eleanor was born on May 12, 1939 in Mason Springs, Maryland. She was the last survivor of twelve children born to the late George Somerset Thompson and Marguerite Swann Thompson.

Eleanor was the widow of the late Harry Anthony Smith, who was called home in 1994. Eleven brothers and sisters preceded her in death; Mary Helen, James William, Joseph Edward, Estelle Marguerite, George Somerset Jr., Catherine Louise, Robert Leo, Paul Theodore, Joseph Louis, John Samuel and Mary Erma Thompson.

Also preceding her in death was one grandchild; Brian Michael Melvin, one great granddaughter; Aniy'Esa Marie Clave and one son; Donald Lewis Dickerson ("Missing," death unconfirmed.)

In 1961 Eleanor met the love of her life, Harry Smith and they were married. During their life together they purchased two homes in Long Island, New York. Eleanor was employed by the state of New York for 30 thirty years as a civil servant working with developmentally disabled adults. She retired after a long illustrious career in 1994. She lived in New York for thirty-six years before moving back to Maryland in 1997.

Eleanor was a kind, caring, compassionate and most of all loving and generous person. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.

Left to cherish the memories of her love and her life are her children: Shirley Dickerson Melvin, Jo Laverne Dickerson Weathersby, Arthur Dickerson Jr., Janet Dickerson Claybrooks, Glynn Edward Dickerson and Eleanor Clarice Smith. Also, step-daughter Lois P. Martin and son Remy Martin. Sons-in-law; Glover Melvin Jr., Marvin Weathersby, and Edward Claybrooks. Daughters-in-law Tarea and Beverly Dickerson. *(Eighteen grandchildren and twenty eight great-grandchildren)* She also leaves behind four sisters-in-law; Josephine Piggott and Estelle Henderson of New York, Roberta and Josephine Thompson of Maryland. Eleanor also touched the lives and will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.