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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
Martha Smith Obituary
August 8, 1945 - June 25, 2025
Martha McNeil Smith, 79, died in San Leandro, California, on Wednesday, June 25th, following complications from Alzheimer's. She was born in Roanoke, Virgina and grew up on the family farm in Catawba. After college in North Carolina, she and her husband Roger, moved to Catawba where they raised their son, Neil. Martha taught geography at Cave Spring Jr high school and loved sharing cultural experiences with her students.
Martha was always cheerful and enjoyed hosting friends and family, often sharing homemade jams, cookies, and cupcakes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed & Katherine McNeil, her husband, Roger, her brother, Jim McNeil and her brother, Daniel Wooldridge. She is survived by her son, Neil and his husband Eric. A graveside service will be held in autumn, at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.
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Memories and Condolences
for Martha Smith
Pat (Eakin) Wright
July 6, 2025
Dear Neil, so sorry to hear about your Mother, my family has so many memories of all your family since we were neighbors. i would walk or ride my bike to the farm to help with cows etc and mom and i would visit with Katherine and Martha all the time. Martha held me a community wedding shower for me when i got married. My family and i will always have sweet memories of Martha . You are in my thought and will be praying for you and the family.
Pat (Eakin) Wright
July 6, 2025
Dear Neil, Sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. I have so many great memories of all your family since we were neighbors, riding or walking from our farm to yours to help with cows and Mom and i always visiting with Katherine and Martha and remembering you as young kid. Your mom gave me a community wedding shower when i got married. My family will always have sweet memories of Martha. You are in my prayers.
Doreen Stokes
July 3, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing Martha for many years and considere her as a dear friendl. I cleaned her home for many years, and when she moved to Cure Beach, N.C., I took her cat, Miss Daisy. Martha had a beautiful smile and her outgoing personality was infectious. She was such a good soul. Rest in peace my friend.
Doreen Stokes
Port Charlotte, FL
Pam Halsey Garman
June 29, 2025
Dear Neil, we are very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a special, sweet person. She will be missed.
Brenda Griggs
June 29, 2025
I worked with Martha at Cave Spring Junior High. I moved to back to Virginia after my husband died in Tennessee. Martha, Ann Seddon and Ann Bailey pulled me into their animal group I was the Dolphin. Martha was the Camel!! We did lots of things together outside of school. We would do summer trips together. Martha was an awesome friend and great teacher!!! She will remain in my heart forever!!
Sondra A Nelder
June 29, 2025
Miss you and our times at our 2nd home in Kure Beach.
Mike & Barbara Hutkin
June 27, 2025
Dear Neil. We are saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved mother Martha. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Belinda & Jim Smith
June 27, 2025
Oh, Neil! I was so sorry to hear about your mom´s illness and passing.
She was always so cheerful and welcoming at our 4-H Club meetings. I think about her, your dad, your grandma and you when we drive by the farm.
Would love to see you when you get back to the area.
Our thoughts and prayers of comfort to you. Belinda & Jim Smith
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