Martha Smith

Martha Lorene Bit Smith passed from this world, lifted in prayer and by the love of those who cherished her, on April 23, 2009. She leaves behind her husband of sixty-two years, A.M. Jack Smith; sister Margaret Wells of Midlothian, Texas; daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Moses Mendoza of Odessa; daughter and son-in-law Ronda and Rick Gipson of Odessa; son and daughter-in-law Jack and Gail Smith of Carrolton.

Martha was born May 12, 1927 in Argyle, Texas to James and Martha Ann Hawk. She lived most of her life in Texas with fifty-one years in Odessa. Her youth was spent in Mineral Wells, where she married Jack Smith in 1946 after his discharge from the Navy, following WWII. The couple lived a short time in Monument, New Mexico, where Martha became a Baptist.

Martha will be remembered for using the gifts that God bestowed upon her: She was generous to everyone she met, welcoming friends and strangers alike with her warmth, concern and kindness. She embraced and charmed everyone, especially children who recognized her genuine unconditional acceptance.

She will be remembered for her sense of humor always finding a way to bring a smile, even during her stay at MCH on April Fools Day, enjoying her many pranks to make others feel more at ease while fighting the discomfort of her illness. Her unfailing courage and refusal to complain is a testament to her character, admired by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James Hawk, Jr., and a son, James Ronald Smith.

Other family members who will cherish her memory as a warm, generous, and fun-loving grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother include:

Dawn Green, Paula Mendoza, Steven Samples, Kimberly Smith, Kristen Gipson, Trista Mendoza, Alex Mendoza, Devon Green, Raven Green, Maci Samples, Cort Samples, Ashley Samples, Ian Samples, Chase Floyd, Lauren Foster, Madison Mendoza, Aubrey Mendoza, Christopher Price, Anthony Gipson, Rachel Gipson Hunter, and Andrea Gipson Perrin.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 on Monday, April 27, at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with the Reverend Jimmy Braswell officiating. Visitation will be Sunday at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Donations to Home Hospice would be a caring expression of sympathy.

Interment will be 11:30 AM Tuesday, April 28, 2009 in Elmwood Cemetery in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Sunday, April 26, 2009
12 Noon 8 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Cumberland Presbyterian Church
1415 N. Grandview
Odessa, TX  79761
Monday, April 27, 2009
11:00 am

Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery
Mineral Wells, TX  76067