Martha Denise (Ledbetter) Smith

     Martha Denise Ledbetter Smith, 74, of Semmes, Alabama departed this life on Saturday, December 5th, 2020 after a sudden illness with COVID-19.  Her unwavering faith and belief in God gave her peace as she returned to her heavenly home.

      Martha was born to the late Arthur and Sarah Ledbetter in Mobile, Alabama on June 13th, 1946 and graduated from Semmes High School in 1964.  Martha was immersed in the Christian community that would be her lifelong passion from an early age.  At the time of her passing, she was an employee and member of Life Church in Mobile.  She was the group leader for the Merry Widows, a volunteer for several hospice agencies, as well as an active participant of many prayer groups over the years. Martha was the light and strength of her family, her church community, and her friends. She was always willing to pray, to cook, to laugh, to play a game, and to give a hug or an encouraging word to those who needed it. To say that she was an inspiration and a true woman of God is an understatement. Her legacy is definitely one of unconditional love, compassion, strength, and wisdom.

       Martha was blessed with a large and loving family to which she was devoted.  She married the love of her life, Robert Lamar Smith, on October 27th, 1964 at Lott Road Baptist Church, who preceded her in death on July 5th, 1996.  Martha and Robert have three children to whom they passed down their traits of acceptance, compassion, and generosity.

      Martha is survived by her son Vince (Sharon) Smith; her daughters Michelle (Amy) Smith and Melanie (Tonya) Smith; her grandchildren Chip (Brandi) Smith, Kyle Broadus, and Ava Lu Zirlott; her great-grandchildren Kinley and Kade; her siblings Dennis (Barbara) Ledbetter, Frankie (Melvin) Lee, Frank (Terri) Ledbetter, and Donnie Ledbetter; her pseudo-mom and favorite Aunt Bertie Burt, as well as many special nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Ronnie Ledbetter (2008), several nephews and relatives, and a host of amazing friends. 

      Funeral services will be held at Valhalla Memorial Funeral Home in Eight Mile, Alabama on Saturday, December 12th, 2020.  Family visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am, open visitation from 11:00 – noon, chapel service at noon, and burial services at Valhalla Cemetery to follow.  The family kindly asks attendees to wear a mask and follow distancing recommendations.  For those not able to attend, please dedicate 12:00 (noon) as a time to lift Martha and her family up in prayer.