Martha Jill Smith

Martha Jill Smith

Tupelo- Martha Jill Smith, age 75, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 29, 2025. She was born on April 6, 1950, to Oliver Thurston Davis and Sarah Aline Sparkman.

Martha was a faithful member of East Heights Baptist Church, where she was deeply involved throughout her life. A devoted prayer warrior, she was known for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, and her commitment to nurturing both her church family and the education of children. She was active in church ministries and proudly supported her children through her involvement in their schools, including serving as a member of the PTA.

Raised on a farm, Martha learned the value of hard work and dedication at an early age. She participated in 4-H, where she showed cattle and developed a love for public speaking: skills that stayed with her throughout her life. Those early experiences shaped her strong character and lifelong willingness to step forward and serve others.

Martha devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She was a loving and gracious wife, mother, and grandmother who found her greatest joy in time spent with her grandchildren. She cherished capturing special moments through photography and preserving memories of the people she loved most. A homemaker by trade, Martha proudly referred to herself as a “Domestic Engineer,” a title that reflected both her humor and her tireless dedication to her home.

On June 17, Martha married the love of her life, Ralph, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and love. This year would have marked 54 years of marriage. Martha will be remembered as a woman of remarkable strength, kindness, and grace: steadfast in her devotion to her children, generous in spirit, and constant in prayer. Her legacy of love and faith will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph E. Smith; children, Michael Edwin Smith (Jennifer) of Houston, Texas and Heather Michelle Beyer (Jeffrey William Beyer) of Fulton; grandchildren, Emma Jane Smith, Elaine Michelle Smith, Elise Sarah Smith, Jacob Edwin Smith, Greg Beyer, and Eric Beyer (Nicole); great-grandchildren, Serenity Beyer and Kelsie Beyer; sisters, Diane Gilentine of Morrison, Tennessee and Sue Clark of McMinnville, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Ira David Smith (Margaret); niece and nephew, Timothy and Julie; sister-in-laws, Marilyn Holhahan and Robin Louise; and a host of other family.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring the life of Mrs. Smith will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Bro. Jay White officiating. A graveside service will follow at Lee Memorial Park.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.