Mary Ellen Smith hosted a luncheon party at Stingaree on September 13 to celebrate with friends, colleagues and business associates her four-decade journey on Bolivar Peninsula. “It is my way of thanking those who made everything possible,” said Mary Ellen. Her remarkable journey began in 1983 when she first set foot on the peninsula. Little did she know, she was about to become a beloved figure in the community for the next 40 years.

In September 1983, Mary Ellen acquired the Corner Cafe and Bakery in Gilchrist. This bold move came in the aftermath of Hurricane Alicia, a defining moment in the Peninsula’s history but an opportunity for Mary Ellen to own and operate a business. The cafe quickly became a local hub, but with most of her employees serving as volunteer firefighters, Mary Ellen joyfully shares that she frequently lost her entire workforce when a call came in from the fire station located across the street.

Before moving down to Bolivar, Mary Ellen was a sales manager for AT&T, which served as her formative professional experience and would eventually become her passion. Mary Ellen’s venture into the restaurant business was the first stop on the Peninsula to what would become a long and storied career in real estate.

She worked with various real estate companies starting with Cobb Real Estate, before eventually going out on her own and starting Beach or Bay Real Estate. Mary Ellen credits her business successes to the partnerships she developed over the years.

Reflecting on her four-decade tenure, Mary Ellen noted the remarkable growth in Crystal Beach real estate, especially during the pandemic. The rise of RV parks in the area became a significant change, reflecting people’s desire to invest in and protect their RVs and RV-ready real estate instead of a traditional homes during storm scares.

As a former restaurant owner, Mary Ellen also noted the impressive growth of many fine dining establishments on the peninsula, with restaurant owners creating an enjoyable culinary scene.

Though she continues to sell properties, mostly for friends, this Thank You-Celebration-Retirement event indicated that the time for full retirement had come. Today, Mary Ellen resides in Richmond, but her legacy on Bolivar Peninsula is etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. A Garden Oaks, Houston native, Mary Ellen’s journey from her roots to her cherished Bolivar Peninsula is a testament to her enduring spirit and commitment to community.

(Linda Elissalde contributed to this article)

[Sep-26-2023]