Martha Smith Wade

Martha Walker Smith Wade, a resident of Cedarfield in Henrico County, peacefully departed this life on July 8, 2025. Born December 2, 1931, to George and Gladys (Waid) Walker in Delaware, Ohio. Martha was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabethann “Nann” Walker Moor, and brothers Waid and Ralph Walker and her husbands David Boyd Smith and Winfrey (Win) Turner Wade. Martha is survived by her son, Craig Adam Smith, and daughter, Susan Waid Smith Patch, her grandson Brandon Mackenzie Smith, her nephew Peter Moor and nieces Mary Elizabeth Machuga (Mike) and Sarah Moor. She is also survived by Winfrey’s children Lamont F. Wade (Terrill) and Suzanne E. Wade (Ryan Paris) and their children Alison Brown (Brad), Lindsay DeFrates (Casey), Kristen Wade, and Lucas and Garrett Paris.

Martha was brought up in Columbus, Ohio where she attended Ohio State University School then followed by The Ohio State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. While at OSU Martha was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She went on to teach in the Orange Township Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio. It was in Cleveland where she met David Smith. On July 16, 1955, David and Martha were married in Columbus. They lived in Arlington, Virginia, Southern Maryland and finally in Richmond, Virginia where they remained for the rest of their lives. Martha was widowed in October 2000 as the result of David’s death. She met Winfrey Wade at All Saints Church in the winter of 2001, and they were married June 15, 2002.

Martha, known for her joie de vivre, her seemingly endless supply of energy, positivity and courage was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, altar guild member and founder of the garden guild. She was a past president of the Commonwealth Woman’s Club, and a member of The Tuckahoe Woman’s Club, The Sleepy Hollow Garden Club and a member of the Ohio State Alumni Club. Her love of Columbus and OSU was evident to all whom met her. She would regale friends (and strangers) with Buckeye statistics, players, and game schedule. Martha also loved to travel and shared that she felt fortunate to have married two wonderful husbands and had the opportunity to see the world with them. When she was not traveling or busy with projects, her great love was her garden. Anyone who visited her home could witness her devotion to creating beauty and harmony in nature. Her sense of humor and joy for living will be missed by many.

The family would like to thank Evelyn Linares, Maxine Smith, and Carol Taylor who lovingly took care of Martha as her health declined. Also, the family would like to thank the superb medical care she received from Henrico Cardiology, especially Dr Chris Nicholson, and Erin White, NP, at the Virginia Cancer Institute Dr. Elke Friedman and Cristina Jones, NP, Dr Greg Cook and her care givers at Cedarfield, and finally the third floor nursing staff at Henrico Doctors Hospital - Forest for their support and compassionate care in her last days.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 15th 2025 at Woody Funeral Home 1771 N Parham Rd, Richmond, Virginia 23229 from 4-7pm. A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, July 16th at 11:00 AM at All Saints Episcopal Church, 8787 River Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229. Martha was born into a family who suffered a terrible tragedy. Her eldest brother died at the age of 8. For this reason, we ask that in lieu of flowers a tax-deductible donation be made in Martha’s name to the Full Circle Grief Center of Richmond, 10611 Patterson Avenue, Suite 201, Richmond, Virginia 23238, whose mission is to support the grief needs of the Richmond community and especially children and families who are experiencing traumatic loss. www.Fullcirclegc.org