Martha Mae Smith

Martha Mae Smith, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Born on November 3, 1932, in Kathleen, Florida, Martha grew up on her family's farm, where she helped to farm the citrus trees, cotton, and tobacco.

She graduated from Kathleen High School and, at the age of twenty, married the love of her life, Willie Lee Smith, on March 8, 1953. Their marriage was a devoted partnership that lasted until Lee's passing on April 10, 2008.

Martha dedicated many years of service to the Polk County School Board, working in the lunchrooms of both Kathleen Senior and Junior High Schools. Known for her kindness and steady presence, she touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. She was often told she made the best biscuits.

Her passions included sewing, gardening, cooking, and crafting. She was rarely without a crochet hook in hand, creating hats, blankets, doilies, and stuffed animals for children, family, friends, and her church community. After retirement, Martha enjoyed shopping yard sales with her husband and her dear friend Zelda. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ on Lakeland Hills Boulevard throughout most of her adult life. In her later years, she lived at Lake Gibson Village, where she found joy in the companionship of a new best friend, aptly named Lee. The family lovingly reflects that God placed Lee in her life, as her name echoed that of her beloved husband, ensuring she would never forget the love they shared.

Martha is preceded in death by her husband, Lee Smith; her parents, William Andrew and Mattie Lee; her brother, John; and her sisters, Margie, Nelma Lee, and Clarice.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Marsha Smith, Elaine (Smith) Piper, and Kevin Smith; grandchildren, Charlotte (Hansen-Scott) McGahee, Robert Lee Kabrich, Andrea Smith, and Michael Piper; great-grandchildren, Margaux Hall, Mallory Hall, Javier Samuel Arce, and Corrina Evie McCray; nieces, Candy Halferty, Suzette Lozano, Jill Kemp, and Karen (Clements) Scrivener; nephew, Mark Ellison; and 19 great- and great-great nieces and nephews.

Martha's life was a testament to love, faith, and service. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.