Martha Smith

Martha Strack Smith went to be with her Lord on November 24, 2022, and is now at joyful peace.

          Martha was born on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1942 in Beaumont, Texas where she spent her first 18 years under the loving guidance of her parents.  During those years, she was known by her nickname “Suzie”.  In Beaumont she used her beautiful soprano voice in choral groups, cultivated many lifelong friendships and was chosen a class favorite at Beaumont High School.  She earned her B.S. degree in education at The University of Texas in Austin where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega and where she met her husband Frank, her best friend and love.

          Frank and Martha married in 1965.  During the early years of their marriage, Martha taught first grade.  She devoted herself to taking care of her family throughout her life.

          Martha served as a volunteer in various church organizations as well as Memorial Assistance Ministries, Houston Hospice, and Dress for Success.  She also enjoyed singing in church choir.  She was physically active, enjoying neighborhood walks and her Pilates classes.  Martha’s leisure time included entertaining, playing Mah Jongg, reading novels as a part of her book clubs, and watching movies.

          Martha and Frank loved to travel and had many memorable trips with family and dear friends, including trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, the Orient Express, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Paris, and the South of France; cruises included the Panama Canal, the Danube, Asia, and a trans-Atlantic crossing on the Queen Elizabeth 2.  They enjoyed many happy summer vacations in Colorado and travels to Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Asheville, the Grand Canyon and many others.

          Nothing brought Martha more pleasure than being with family and friends.  Holidays were special with family gatherings in Fort Worth, the DeBusk family ranch in central Texas, and Sea Island, Georgia.  She was known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren, and she spent special times with all.

          Martha is survived by her husband of 57 years, Frank Forsythe Smith, junior; daughters Martha (“Marty”) Smith DeBusk and Amanda (“Mandy”) Smith Johnston and their spouses Patrick Andrew DeBusk and Fred Lee Johnston IV; grandchildren Sarah Elizabeth DeBusk, Amanda Kate DeBusk, Louise Lee Johnston and Martha Lynne Johnston; sister-in-law Elaine Smith Carlton; brother- in-law Gaskill Beasley; niece Monica Carlton Skeet and husband Jed; and nephew Spencer Carlton and wife Dixie.  Special thanks to Mary Alice Sosa, Tamara White and to numerous supportive friends and caregivers.

          Martha is preceded in death by her parents Geraldine (“Jerry”) Farmer Strack and Carl Strack, brother Charlie J. Strack, brother-in-law Donald M. Carlton, in laws Frank F. and Allyne Smith and niece Donna Carlton Maurer.

          A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Rd, Houston, Texas 77027, with reception to follow.  Those who may not attend in-person may view a livestream of the memorial service at https://www.stlukesmethodist.org/martha-smith/

          In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Martha’s name to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (713-622-5710), Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation (832-982-4890), or to The Salvation Army of Greater Houston (713-752-0677).