Mildred Smith Martin, a hard-working and devoted matriarch, passed away at home on February 5, 2026, surrounded by her children. Born on January 16, 1935, in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, she lived a full and vibrant life until the age of 91. Mildred was a proud graduate of Mount Juliet High School, class of 1953.
Mildred was a homemaker and dedicated her professional life to serving as a special education bus driver for the Metropolitan Nashville School District. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Ralph, and together they raised three children in Old Hickory. Their partnership was marked by a deep bond and a shared commitment to their faith, serving for over 50 years with the Old Hickory Church of Christ.
She had a passion for cooking and entertaining, and she loved to travel. Mildred enjoyed attending Vanderbilt basketball games and was an avid fan of westerns and bluegrass music. Her community involvement was extensive, serving as a Bible class teacher and sharing her faith with children in the bus ministry and with the Second Miler's Group. She was also very active and social within her Del Webb community.
Mildred was known for her ability to build trust with people from different backgrounds and had a heart for the "underdog." She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, always their greatest cheerleader and supporter. Her legacy as the family matriarch was marked by her love, generosity, and the cherished memories she created with her grandchildren, who fondly remember her chocolate layer dessert and macaroni and cheese.
Mildred is survived by her children, Karen Martin, Ronnie Martin (Ramona), and Kristi Sibert (John); her grandchildren, Shane Sibert (Jade), Jared Martin, Faith Hart (Alex), and Ben Martin; her great-grandchildren, Brady Sibert and Hayes Sibert; and her sister, Norma Veard. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Kenneth Smith and Marie Hutchens Smith, her brother, William Barry Smith, and her loving husband, Ralph Eugene Martin.
The family extends special gratitude to Interim Healthcare, especially Cara and Shaniya, and to Alive Hospice for their compassionate support and care. Mildred's loving neighbors in Del Webb were always there to help when needed, and their kindness will not be forgotten.
A Gathering of Family & Friends will take place on February 16, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Old Hickory Church of Christ, located at 1001 Hadley Avenue, Old Hickory. A Celebration of Life, officiated by Minister Don Loftis, will follow at 1:00 pm at the church. Shane Sibert, Jared Martin, Ben Martin, Alex Hart, John Sibert and Michael Martin will serve as pallbearers. Following the service, Mildred will be laid to rest at Hermitage Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138, at 2:15 pm, in the Garden of Peace.
Mildred Smith Martin will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be extended to the Martin family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.
