Martha Elizabeth Cox

Martha Elizabeth Smart-Cox

March 14,1941 – February 21, 2026

On February 21, 2026, heaven welcomed home a beautiful soul. Martha Elizabeth Smart-Cox, age 84, of Columbus, Ohio, transitioned peacefully at home , leaving behind a legacy woven in love, laughter, and heartfelt conversation.

Born March 14,1941, Martha lived a life that radiated warmth. She never met a stranger — only friends she hadn’t spoken to yet. Anywhere she went, conversation followed. She had a gift for talking with people, not just to them. Her words carried comfort, humor, wisdom, and truth.

What made Martha truly special were her cooking, jokes and her heartfelt talks and hearing about the old days of Flytown where she grew up. She could make you laugh until your sides hurt, then turn around and speak words that touched your spirit. In her presence, you felt seen. You felt heard. You felt loved. If she had it, you had it. That was her way. Her heart was generous, her door was open, and her love was steady.

She was preceded in death by dear family members: Parents: Lettie Mayzetta Gibson, Richard Reichart. Sisters: Lillian Mae Smith, Patricia Gibson, Loretta Fincher, Selina Johnson. Brothers: Freddie Smart, Eugene (Genie) Child’s, Richard “Riddy” Smart, Raymond Stowe, Solomon Michael “Big Mike” Gibson and the love of her life, her husband, Nathaniel “Bay” Cox Jr — a reunion surely filled with joy.

She is also proceeded in death by her special dad Mr. Vernon Lawrence.

She was a devoted mother to her daughters: Loretta (Philip) Harrison, Carla Smart, Florence Smart, and Tabitha Cox — women who carry her strength and spirit forward. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Teaira (Erick)Crews; Nathaniel (Rae) Stewart; and her special grandson/son, Jerome“Rome“McCoy; and special granddaughter/daughter, Gina“Gigi“McCoy.

Her joy multiplied in her great-grandchildren: Cenceir Crews, PaeTynn Stewart, Zoie Crews, Bella Stewart, and Ezra Stewart — each one a living piece of her legacy.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters: Sharon Gibson Janice Powell, Rita Gibson, and Kathy Gibson; her brothers: Lewis(Felicia)Gibson and Dana Gibson; and a host of special nieces, nephews, Cousins and friends whom she cherished deeply.

She will be lovingly remembered by her special long time friend of many many years,

Mrs. Charlotte “Pookie” Richmond-Donaldson

Martha was more than a mother, grandmother, sister, or friend — she was the heartbeat in the room. She was the laughter during hard times. She was the voice on the phone that made everything feel alright. Her life was a testament to kindness in action and love without condition.

And in the promise of God’s word, her family finds comfort:

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8

Though she is no longer with us in body, her jokes still echo in our laughter, her wisdom still speaks in our hearts, and her love remains the thread that holds this family together.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

You will be greatly missed.