Relief Society General President
1997–2002

Mary Ellen W. Smoot is a woman of great humility, dedication, and foresight. Sister Smoot emphasized the importance of working closely with priesthood leaders to help women and their families come unto Christ. Leading a worldwide Relief Society membership of nearly five million, Sister Smoot traveled more than 200,000 miles during her administration. On one journey she helped with the humanitarian efforts in Kosovo, relieving the suffering of many individuals there. Her desire to support families was evident as she served on the World Congress for the Family Committee. She also published the Relief Society declaration to help women realize their divine potential as daughters of God. Homemaking meeting was replaced with Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meeting. The monthly visiting message was reformatted to focus on gospel principles, scriptures, and quotations from Church leaders; the messages also encouraged women to bear their testimonies to one another. Sister Smoot wanted the women of the Church to be spiritually prepared to meet their challenges; to be examples of gospel living; and to move forward with faith, courage, and spiritual, mental, and emotional strength. Sister Smoot and her husband, Stanley M. Smoot, have seven children and fifty grandchildren.