Martha Smith
Martha Smith passed away on August 21, 2011 after a brief illness. She was born in 1925 in Smithville, Georgia to Theophilus Grady and Lula Lunsford, and spent her formative years on a family farm in Baker Hill, Alabama. She graduated from Baker Hill High School in the class of 1944 and attended Troy State University to learn electronics.
She married J.D. Smith, a native of Bledsoe County in 1945, and was a devoted wife until his death 52 years later. She spent time in Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, Montana, North Dakota, and Georgia, and in two foreign countries, Japan and Greece as a career military wife. She attended Chattanooga State to receive her nursing license at age 48 and worked at Memorial Hospital until her retirement. She enjoyed gardening, travel, and being a member of the White Oak Church of Christ for 42 years.
She was a wonderful mother to her two surviving children, Theophilus “T.G.” Smith of Hendersonville, and Lou Smith of Knoxville. She is survived by many she loved dearly: her sister, Beatrice Lewis of Baker Hill, Alabama; her daughter-in-law Margaret Spikes Smith of Hendersonville; her future son-in-law, Paul Parris; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Jeanette Oakes, Merle Roberson and Freddie Roberson, Sue Smith, and Bobby Johnson; her grandchildren, Paige Smith, Lauren and Bobby Geery; eight nephews, nine nieces, and their spouses and children who have brought her so much delight.
The family would like to extend thanks to Jeanette, Jeff, William and Matthew Oakes, Rhonda Johnson and Susan Fuchs for their immediate assistance during Mrs. Smith’s illness; and to Drs. Gallagher and Hammond at Erlanger Medical Center. We extend deepest appreciation to the nursing staff of the neurosurgical ICU, the emergency department, and the surgical staff at Erlanger Hospital for the compassionate care given to Martha and her family members. Martha was a dedicated Christian who loved and was loved by many and she will be missed.
A grave-side ceremony officiated by her nephew T.A. Smith and long time pastor and friend, J.C. Watkins, was held August 23 and burial was in Collier Cemetery in the Lusk Community.
For those who prefer to make donations in lieu of flowers, she requests they be made to White Oak Church of Christ in Chattanooga.
Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.
Arrangements were made by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home in Pikeville.
