Mary Jane Gay

Mary Jane Beck Smart Gay of Houston, TX passed away peacefully at home on December 25, 2020, at age 89.

Jane was born in the Bronx, NY on April 5, 1931, and was raised in the Bronx by her parents Louise and William Beck, who predeceased her.

After high school, Jane went on to attend the Scudder Secretarial School.  She held many positions throughout her career, though her last position was as Clerk of the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, TX.  She was the third person to hold the clerk’s position and retired in March 2000, after 18 years of service.

Jane was predeceased by her husband, Wilbur L. Gay, in April 2019.

She is survived by her daughters Deborah Moltisanti of Land O’Lakes, FL, Jennifer Smart of Houston, TX, and son, Bill Smart of Odessa, FL, as well as four grandchildren, Anthony Moltisanti, Allison Moltisanti, Ph.D., Christopher Smart, and Kalyn Smart.

The family wishes to thank her faithful caregivers, Pia Kihara, Marlene Sibrian, Anassa Kambi, and Yvonne Murangiri as they loved their “Ms. Jane” and considered her family.

There will be a celebration of Jane’s life; however, it will be delayed due to COVID.

Gifts in memory of Jane may be made to the ‘Simpson ALS Fund’ at Houston Methodist Hospital. You can mail your gift to Houston Methodist Foundation, PO Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384, or give online. To give online visit: https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/GeneralGivingForm. For GIFT DESIGNATION, please select ‘Other’ and add “Simpson ALS Fund” in the space provided.