Mary Helen Ammons

Mary Helen Akins Smith Ammons of Atlanta, GA, passed away at the age of 91 on September 11, 2024. She spent her whole life taking care of others, both in her professional life as a registered nurse and in her personal life, where she always put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. From her time as a young mother, when she volunteered with the State of Georgia to improve housing and services for people with developmental disabilities to her last ten years as a resident at Pruitt Place of Buckhead (formerly known as Brighton Gardens), where she reorganized and ran the library and the book club, arranged flowers for the dining room and taught painting classes, Mary made the world a brighter place for her loved ones and the larger community.

Mary was born on February 15, 1933, in Atlanta, Georgia to John and Eleanor Akins. She was a graduate of Murphy High School, where she was very active in school activities. She was the make-up editor of the school yearbook, a member of the science club and drama club, and a military sponsor for the colonel of the school ROTC.

In 1951, she married George Smith, with whom she had three children: David, Marty (deceased), and Linda. While raising her children, Mary pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She attended DeKalb College School of Nursing, where she received her R.N. degree. She worked for Emory University Hospital, Humana Hospital in Snellville, Gwinnett County Health Department, and Women’s Health Care of Gwinnett.

In 1989, Mary married Dr. John C. Ammons. After their retirement, they enjoyed traveling to various countries in Europe, the Panama Canal, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other places in the U.S. They were married for 22 years until Dr. Ammons’ death.

Mary is survived by son David Aucsmith (Shana), daughter Linda Pitts (Tiger), two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, stepson Chris Ammons, and stepdaughter Beth Huskey, two step-grandchildren, and a brother, Jerry Akins (Sally).

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Pruitt Place of Buckhead. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Atlanta Humane Society.