Mary Katherine Ezelle

Mary Katherine Smith Ezelle, age 80, of Vicksburg, MS, formerly of Cleveland, MS, peacefully passed away on November 19, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS.

Born on January 30, 1945, in Columbus, MS, Katherine was the daughter of John Edward and Oweta Jeanette Hudson Smith. She was a proud graduate of Greenville High School and further pursued her education at  Mississippi College for Women in Clinton, MS.

Katherine dedicated all of her adult life to the healthcare field as a lab and X-ray technician, beginning at the King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Greenville, then to the Cleveland Clinic to the Shelby-Hollingsworth Clinic. She retired from Bolivar Medical Center at the age of 76. A devoted member of Immanuel Baptist Church, she took great joy in singing with the choir. She had a deep faith in God & the promise of life eternal. 

Katherine, also lovingly known as Mimi, loved her dogs. She & her girls had dogs of various breeds, even at the end of her life here on earth. Her most precious gifts on this Earth were her girls, Lisa & Laurie & her grandchildren, Lauribeth & Dean. She dedicated most of her life to ensuring that her family had the best of everything she could offer. Even with the birth of her great-grandchildren, Charlie & Elizabeth, she promised & gave her unwavering love & affection. She was so proud of all of her family & the accomplishments they have & will attain in the future. 

She is preceded in death by her loving parents, John and Oweta Smith; her sister, Margaret (Mark) Pilgrim; her brother, John Gary Smith; and her beloved daughter, Laurie Lynn (Chuck) Foster. Katherine is survived by her daughter, Lisa Oswalt Simmons (Calvin) of Vicksburg, MS; her sister, Pat Worsham (Jerry) of Grenada, MS; her granddaughter, Laurie Elizabeth Foster; her grandson, Dean (Mary Margaret) Julius; and her great-grandchildren, Charlie and Elizabeth Claire Julius.

A private graveside funeral service will be conducted at North Cleveland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Katherine requested that Memorial contributions be made to The Shriners Hospital for Children or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Cleveland Funeral Home has had the distinct honor of serving the family during this difficult time. Katherine’s warm spirit, love & passion for her children & family will be deeply missed forever. The love & care she gave to her patients, co-workers & the many doctors & healthcare providers she worked with will always be fondly remembered.