Martha Jane Smith

She was born in Catawba County on July 23, 1929, to the late John Burton Frye and Myrtle Viola Miller Frye. Martha lived in Newton until she attended Lenoir Rhyne College where she met the love of her life, Marcus Elbert Smith, Sr., and they married in 1948. Martha’s family moved many times as Marcus’ career progressed until they settled in Tulsa, OK. These moves took the family to NC, VA, LA, GA, and OK (some states more than once). Martha created a warm home for the family with each move and was a devoted mother to her children. She was also an accomplished seamstress of clothes and furnishings. While living in Tulsa, Martha was an active volunteer at Fellowship Lutheran Church including the Meals On Wheels program. After Marcus passed away in 1993, Martha moved to Raleigh to be close to family. Martha loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and she played important roles in their lives.

In addition to her parents Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Marcus; brothers, John Craig Frye and wife Geneva; Grady Frye and wife LaVohn; sister, Louise Sloop and husband Luther.

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Jane Moye and husband Sidney Macon Moye Sr.; sons, Marcus Elbert Smith, Jr., and Stephen Michael Smith and wife Mary Ann; grandchildren, Sidney Macon Moye Jr. and wife Irina, Paul Smith and wife Michelle, William Smith and wife Kelly, Olivia Smith, Rebecca Smith, Hannah Rodriguez and husband Nicholas; great grandchildren, Katarina Moye, Brandon Moye, Emery Smith, Asher Smith, Ariella Smith, Perry Smith and Leroy Rodriguez.

Gathering of friends will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church Saturday, June 22, 2024, from an hour prior to the service.

A funeral service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Robert Sain officiating. Burial will follow at St Paul’s Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church (www.stpaulstartown.org).

Condolences may be left at www.willis-reynoldsfuneralhome.com.

The Smith Family is under the care of Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home.