Martha Louise Boyd

Born in Asheville, North Carolina, Marti was one of the first children born at the new Mission Memorial Hospital to the late Jasper and Iva Smathers. A graduate of Western Carolina University (Home Economics, ’59) and Georgia State University (Master’s, ’90), she combined her love of education and writing into a lifelong pursuit of learning and teaching.

As a military wife to Curt Boyd, whom she married in 1960, Marti embraced a life of travel, forming a close “Band of Sisters” and supporting her husband’s career. Wherever they were stationed, she taught school, finding her greatest joy in teaching third grade, where she believed children’s love for learning blossomed. After retiring, she continued her educational journey by delving into U.S. history, particularly her passion for World War II studies.

Marti’s creativity shone through her love of writing short stories, inspired by her grandfather’s poetic legacy, and her talent for quilting and sewing. Her award-winning craftsmanship, including weaving and quilting, brought her joy and connection, especially after Curt’s passing in 2018. Her quilting community became her source of strength and companionship in her later years.

Marti is preceded in death by her husband, Curt Boyd. She is survived by her children, Philip Boyd and Darlene Conley (Paul); grandchildren, Christie Conley (James Harris) and Richard Conley; and great-grandchildren, Sutton Rose, Ava Kate, Aria Boyd, and Ireland Gray Harris.

A service for Marti will be held January 18, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Clement's Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, Georgia 30114. The committal service will occur Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia 30194.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to:

Building Fund: St. Clement's Episcopal church, P.O. Box 36, Holly Springs, GA, 30142

Veterans Tribute Tower Georgia National Cemetery, P.O. Box 5476, Canton, GA, 30114