Page 3 - Martha Smith Memorial Service Program

Daughter, granddaughter, sister,
mother, grandmother, great-
grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend—
Martha Smith was born on February
18, 1958, to proud parents James Smith
and Lula Hollman in Webb,
Mississippi.
She was the eldest of 13 children. Martha graduated from West Tallahatchie High
School in 1976 and, later that year, moved with her family to Minnesota in pursuit
of greater opportunities.
Her passion for learning led her to enroll at St. Paul Technical College in 1977.
Martha was a lifelong advocate for education. She earned her Associate’s Degree
from the University of Minnesota, a Mini MBA from the University of St. Thomas,
and a Bachelor’s Degree from Concordia University. She also completed certificate
programs in Paralegal Studies and Civil Litigation from the School of Paralegal
Studies.
Her professional journey included work with Ramsey County Opportunities
Industrial Center (OIC), St. Paul Public Schools, Control Data Corporation, the
University of Minnesota Medical Center, and Datacard Corporation. A medical
condition led to her early retirement. However, Martha’s drive to serve her
community never faded. She launched her own business, Proficient Administrative
Services and remained self-employed for the rest of her career.
Martha found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved fishing, sewing, collecting
dolls, traveling, administrative work, and watching crime shows and murder
mysteries. Summer was her favorite season—especially for fishing trips with her
grandmother Mattie, her mother Lula, and her sister Bertha.
Martha was preceded in death by her mother, Lula; brothers Larry and Tyrone;
and sisters Susan, Bertha, Barbara, and Betty. She leaves to cherish her memory
her two sons, Steve (Michelle) and Melvin (Bernita); grandchildren Dominique,
Herman, DaMain, Gilbert, and Lishell; great-grandchildren Avery, Niyah, Dakota,
Maverick, Damari, Cameron, and Roman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,
and dear friends.