Martha Smith

Mrs. Martha Smith, 97, of Clinton formerly of Obion died Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Clinton-Hickman Co. ICF Nursing Facility.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Beech Grove Cemetery in Obion.

She was born November 11, 1922 the daughter of Charles Robert (Charlie) Noonan and Mary Elizabeth Jackson of Obion, TN. She attended Obion Rosenwald Elementary School and graduated from Miles High School in Union City, TN where she graduated as salutatorian of the class. After high school she worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Morehead.

She was married to Mr. John M. (Jack) Smith in June of 1947. They were married 46 years, two children were born to this union, one girl, and one boy. She served as a substitute teacher at Obion Rosenwald School. She did housework for T.W. & Marion Jones and Paul & Marie White. She was a member of the NAACP and was very instrumental in getting the schools integrated in 1962.

She was a faithful member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for the children class and the adult class. She also served as pianist for the senior choir. She served as secretary of the Mississippi Valley District Association for a number of years. She enjoyed reading her Bible and quoted scripture often. She will be remembered as a person that spoke her mind and would tell you just what she thought.

She is survived by her daughter Johnie Mae (Eugene) McDonald of Clinton, KY, five grandchildren Terri, Christy, Tracie, Latawasha, & Braxton.

She was predeceased by her husband John M. Smith and her son Alonza Smith.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. James Missionary Baptist Church 512 Troy Rd. Obion, TN 38240.

Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110