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Martha Crowder
1937 - 2025
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
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Martha Crowder Obituary
April 9, 1937 - November 12, 2025
Martha Smythers Crowder, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away at home on November 12, 2025.
Born in Poplar Camp, Virginia, to Edith and Strader Smythers, she was known for her warmth, loyalty, and creative spirit. Martha owned Martha's Florist and Oil Paintings in Hillsville for 12 years, renowned for her beautiful floral arrangements and artwork. She also designed and built homes, personally guiding each project with care and attention to quality.
A devoted community member, Martha was an elder at Hillsville Christian Church, active in the Rotary Club, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, and a charter member of the American Business Women's Association. She served as Vice Mayor and councilwoman in Hillsville in 1982-83 and treasured her role on the Hillsville Beautification Committee.
Her family was central to her life. She was a caring wife to Foy Dale Crowder, a loving mother to her children, and a resilient caretaker for her mother and husband. Martha carried the loss of two children, Mark and Eric Crowder, with quiet strength. She is survived by grandchildren Joshua (Amanda), Ivy (Michael), John (Tara), her grandchild of the heart Max Ault, and seven great-grandchildren.
A service will be held at Hillsville Christian Church at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with a visitation at 2:30 p.m. and a meal to follow.
Memorial Events
for Martha Crowder
Nov
22
Funeral services provided by:
Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville1035 N Main St. PO Box 145, Hillsville, VA 24343
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Crowder
Sponsored by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville.
9 Entries
Janice Pendergrass Schafer
Yesterday
I participated in the group for teenagers that Martha ran back in the 70's at the Christian Church. I will always remember her smile, her warmth, and her creativity.
Jamie Reese Hubble
November 16, 2025
Martha was a dear friend from Jackson Memorial High School and we had kept in touch through the years. God bless and cherish the memories as I will.
Tim Webb
November 15, 2025
Many fond memories growing up and spending much time at the Crowder home. One of my favorite memories are the Halloween costumes she made us. She told me she still had them when I visited with her the day Eric passed away. We attended President elect training for Rotary at the same time. Martha Crowder was a treasure.
Rest is peace !
Linda Erskine
November 15, 2025
Having only known Martha for three years, I can honestly say she was a beautiful light in my life. She was the first person to welcome me to my new home and introduce me to the town she was so proud of. She invited me to join her close circle of friends and I soon adopted her as my “mom”. We spent countless hours talking about her family of which she was so proud, reminiscing about her amazing life and sharing our love for Our Lord. She will be remembered by her friends as a shining example of a life well lived.
Psalm 116 says “Precious in the sight of The Lord is the passing of His Godly ones.”
We are sorry to see Martha leave us for her heavenly home but filled with joy because we know she walks with Jesus now. God bless you precious friend!
Teresa Slusher
November 14, 2025
Prayers for the family
Monika Hunter
November 14, 2025
Oh dear, I am so saddened to hear of Martha's passing. But she is now dancing in heaven with Jesus, her family who preceeded her, and all the saints! To know her was to love her ~ God bless all those who knew her with a special touch of comfort. She will be sorely missed, but how blessed we are to have known her.
David Tickle
November 14, 2025
Mrs. Crowder was also a Cub Scout Den Mother for several years and I was fortunate to be one of her Cubs. She gave selflessly of her time. I'm proud to have known her, Mr. Crowder, Mark and Eric. This family will be missed.
Diane Hall
November 14, 2025
To the family, my relationship with Martha has been ongoing for a long time. ABWA business association , floral etc. I listened to her build her houses, do repairs, support her church, make her cheese balls for fundraising, etc.. She was too numerous to mention in her taskings. Always, always talked about her family. Praying for you all, she will be missed by me also.
Kathryn Fariss
November 14, 2025
I enjoyed being in Rotary with Martha. She was a fun, and multitalented!
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