For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life

John 3:16

Deaconess Martha I. Smith completed her earthly journey on November 7, 2022 and is bound for her heavenly home.  Born January 14, 1928, to the late Jeff Iverson and Deaconess Hattie Smith in Hanover County, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Spencer Smith: her children, Vanessa, Cassandra, and Allen: her siblings, Edward, Sr. and Irving Iverson and Wilber Smith.

At an early age, Martha confessed Christ as her personal Savior and joined St. James Baptist Church in Beaverdam, VA under the leadership of Rev. J. C. Temple. St. James became a very pivotal part of her existence, she served faithfully until her health did not allow her to do so. Deaconess Martha performed the duties of treasurer for the Missionary Ministry for several decades; she sung on the Senior choir and loyally worked as an ordained deaconess.

Sista, as she was affectionately known, spent much of life caring for her husband and children.  She enjoyed gardening (her strawberry patch was epic), she also maintained a well-manicured lawn.

Her memory will be cherished by her devoted daughter, Mary Page (Sidney) and her son, Eldridge Smith (Judith); her five grandsons, Spencer Page (Daria), Scott Page (Yolanda), James Smith (Lynn), Andrew Smith (his friend, Rachel) and Sloane Page (Terra); her granddaughter, Anita Hodnett (Vincent); her siblings, Loraine Smith, and Aubrey Smith; her caring sister-in-law, Deaconess Edmonia Iverson; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

This day is remembered and quietly kept,
No words are needed, we shall never forget,
For those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen and unheard, but always near,
So loved, so missed, and so very dear.

-Unknown Author