Martha Lee Smith

Martha Smith ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home - Pontiac on Feb. 27, 2026.SMITH, Ms. Martha Lee - age 90, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Angela Hospice Center in Waterford, Michigan. Family hour 10:30AM Monday, March 9, 2026 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 North Perry Street, with funeral service commencing immediately at 11:00AM. Interment Perry Mount Park Cemetery, 878 North Perry Street. Friends and pallbearers will assemble 10:30AM at the funeral home Monday. Ms. Smith will lie instate in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed between the hours of 10:00AM - 4:00PM Sunday.Martha Lee Smith was born in Jackson, Tennessee, to George and Alberta Sain. In 1942, she recalled traveling north to Pontiac, Michigan, with her family via train. When the train stopped in Chicago, she was excited by the confetti falling from the sky from a celebration marking the hope for the end of World War II.In Pontiac, the family settled, where she grew up alongside her sister Georgia May and their adopted baby brother, James "J.B." Sain. She quickly made her mark at Bagley School, surpassing kindergarten when teachers noticed how advanced she was and placed her directly into first grade. She later attended Washington High School.Martha's childhood memories were shaped by family life and the people around her. She found a champion in her Uncle Bud, her mother's youngest brother. In conversation, she said how much she appreciated having someone around who always stood up for her, and that he taught her early on how to speak plainly and be willing to say things out loud that others whispered. She recalled her father's garden and how they would share their bounty with neighbors.On January 6, 1950, just weeks before her 15th birthday, Martha married Virg "Schoolboy" Smith in Angola, Indiana. The early years of marriage and motherhood were not easy. Before the birth of her first surviving child, Martha experienced the loss of two babies-a daughter, Kimberly Ann, and a son, Darnell-whose losses stayed with her throughout her life. Over the years, eight children were born to them: Michael, Gary, Jovita, Stephannie, Marsha, Keith, Allison, and Dale.While together, Martha and Schoolboy created connections that lasted well beyond their kids childhood. The Eastside was where children grew up together, and remained in each other's lives long after. Though they chose separate paths in the 60s, the Washingtons, Allens, Williams, and Hirsch families remain connected today.Martha moved to Detroit during the winter of 1969, where she began working at Fisher Body, a General Motors plant. This job became an important turning point in her life. Once she had established herself, she proudly helped several of her children and their friends gain employment when hiring opportunities opened. Martha went on to work in the Fiero, Lake Orion, and Hamtramck/Poletown locations before retiring in the spring of 1998.She led a life filled with travel, hobbies, and lasting friendships. She was an avid bowler, participating in ladies', travel, and mixed leagues as part of the Pontiac Rolling 20s and Pontiac Travelers bowling clubs several nights each week. She proudly earned a 170 average while collecting numerous trophies.She enjoyed a good game of cards, golf, and traveling with friends to the Bahamas, Alaska, Canada, Nevada, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, and many other cities and countries. Until her later years, Martha always looked forward to planning her trip to the annual Currie-Gray Family Reunion.Martha leaves to cherish her memory: Children: Michael (Terra) Smith, Gary (Sonya) Smith, Jovita Smith, Stephannie Smith, Marsha (Donald) McConner, Keith (Ira) Smith, and Allison (Eric) Hanley; Grandchildren: Miaisha Guy, Michael Smith Jr., Emma Littleton, Darneshia Smith, Jessica (Charles) Penermon, Paul "Antonio" Martin, Ashley Turner, Isaac Smith, Anthony (Gloria) Smith, Demond (Quenyada) Smith, Latoya Smith, Ashley Meckens, RoNeisha Mullen, RoShaun Mullen, Keith Manley, Kourtney Manley, Jerel Smith, Montrel Smith, LaKita Smith, Pierre (Nicole) Taylor, Eric Hanley II, Erica Hanley, Terrell Hanley, Doerrell Hanley; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.Martha was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Ann Smith, sons, Darnell and Dale Smith; parents, George and Alberta Sain; brother, James "JB" Sain; sister, Georgia French; nephew, Derrick Sain; and niece, Felicia French.On February 25, 2026, at the age of 90, she left an unforgettable mark on our hearts and a legacy of resilience, honesty, and wisdom. As we mourn her, let us remember and celebrate a life well lived, marked by unwavering determination and living in the moment.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.