Mary Ann Smoot Bywaters (1965 – 2026)

Mary Ann Smoot Bywaters, of Flint Hill, Virginia, peacefully passed away in the comforts of her home, embraced by love from her devoted family on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026. Mary Ann was born June 3rd, 1965, and raised in Sperryville, VA, by her father and mother, Raymond “Butch” and Mary Jane Smoot.

Mary Ann Smoot Bywaters

Mary Ann will forever be remembered and celebrated by her husband, Doug Bywaters, Jr, along with her only son, Chad Frazier, his wife, Kendra and their two children, Clayton and Kailyn of Rixeyville, Va. Her mother, Mary Jane Smoot, along with her sister, Linda Baldwin and husband, Richie, with their three children, Sara, Lily and Katie, her husband, Gary Jenkins and son, Theo, of Sperryville, Va. She is preceded in death by her loving father, Raymond “Butch” Smoot.

However short Mary Ann’s life may seem to others, she made the most of every moment. After fighting for her life in 2019, Mary Ann was determined to live her life to the fullest, and with the Grace and Mercy of God, she achieved that and more. She found love over a bushel of untrimmed Lilacs that were slung in the back of the trunk of a vehicle by none other than her current husband, Doug Bywaters, Jr. He promised her a life of travel, her heart’s desire, and fulfilled her every wish. Little did either know that the greatest battle they would ever fight was about to enter their lives.

The last 5 years have been filled with doctor visits, chemo treatments, radiation, and sickness beyond imagination, but through it all, their faith in Jesus prevailed. Through their faith in God, they found the strength to live life and do everything they could. Mary Ann and Doug would enjoy many trips on the road in their RV, with their trusty sidekick pup, Cubby, soaking up the sun at Monroe Bay, or taking pictures of the vast ocean from a cruise deck.

As travel became too much and the battle with cancer became undeniable, Mary Ann’s Testimony of endurance and strength was an inspiration to all who knew her. The love and support of all her friends and family were overwhelming, with an abundance of letters, flowers, visits, calls, and meals that made her last days even sweeter.

The healing she and her family had prayed so hard for came that afternoon, as an impending storm was about to break. The Heavens opened and released a cool, refreshing downpour as she took her last breath. She had finally won her battle with cancer and was received into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal.  A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 4 PM at Amissville Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 14711 Lee Hwy, Amissville, Virginia, with a time of food and fellowship to follow.