Martha Smith

Martha Lee Washington was born on Tuesday, May 28, 1946 in Denver, Colorado. She was the sixth of eleven children born to Letha Mae Johnson and Douglas Lee Washington. Martha grew up with her siblings Dorothy, Marie, Homer, Jevirgia, Thelma, Louis Gene, Bernadine, Carol Penny, Linda and Annie.
Martha was educated in the Denver public school system. She attended Garden Place and Gilpin Elementary, Horseman Junior High, and Manual High School. After high school, Martha enrolled in Job Core where she obtained certificates in baking, cooking and catering.
Martha had a strong bond with her siblings and she was especially close to her younger brother, Gene. They were so close, in fact, they use to tell friends they were twins. However, once God filled them with the Holy Ghost, they had to tell them the truth. Martha accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young woman. She was a faithful member of her brother Elder Washington’s church, The Unified Body of Christ.
After a chance encounter, Martha met George Smith in 1971. The couple was married in 1974 and remained together until Martha’s passing. When George and Martha met, she had one son, Michael Freeman Davis. George and Martha welcomed two additional sons to the family, Hyman Demarcus and George, Jr.
Martha had a smile that would light up a room. She had a heart that was so giving and forgiving. She was a woman of God, purpose and strength. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a true inspiration to so many. Martha was a woman you would call if you needed prayer or just all-around sound advice because she wouldn't just give what she thought- She gave you God's word; backed up by scripture. She was a no-nonsense woman who believed right is right and wrong is wrong. She would put you in your place but back it up with a hug.
One of the things she was best known for was her amazing cooking skills. You knew you were, or at least felt like you were, special if you ever tasted her butter cookies, homemade yeast rolls, burritos or Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Whatever she cooked, you knew it was made with love.
Martha worked for Denver Public Schools preparing meals for the students and at King Soopers as a baker. Martha also loved Denver sports and was an avid Broncos and Nuggets fan.
She wasn't selfish though-because she was always trying to pass down her knowledge to whomever truly desired to learn. Our mom will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her, but she will live on through those same people.
“99 and a Half Won't Do” was one of her favorite songs to sing but that's also how she lived her life- always giving 100% . Although we are all sad to see her go, we should all rejoice that this God-fearing woman is truly at rest and no longer in pain. Mom, you are truly loved and missed but what you taught us will not and could not ever be forgotten.
Our mom, our rock, our strength, our inspiration, our purpose, our teacher, our mentor, our advisor, our protector, our prayer warrior, our lifelong friend and most importantly our guiding light. Rest well Mom, Sis, Sister Smith, Aunt Martha, Granny, Grandma Smith. God’s Got You.
Surrounded by her family, Martha passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022. She is preceded in death by her grandson, Christopher Michael Warrick, her parents Letha and Douglas Washington; and her sisters, Linda Washington, Carol Bullock and Dorothy Harts. Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy are her husband, George Smith; her children, Michael (Felicia) Davis, of Rio Rancho, NM, Hyman (Alicia) Smith, and George Smith, Jr. of Denver, CO; her grandchildren; her brothers, Homer Lee (Marilyn) Washington of Denver, CO, and Louis (Sharon) Washington of Aurora CO; her sisters, Marie Angel Alley of Oregon, JeVirgia (Burnis) Jones and Thelma Rodgers of Aurora, CO, Bernadine Maxwell and Andrea Washington of Denver, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In honor of Martha, a Visitation will be held, Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 5:00PM-7:00PM at Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace (6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80220). Celebration of Life, Thursday, August 18, 2022, 11:00AM at Zion Temple Pentecostal Church (1600 Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80220). Graveside Service  to follow at Fairmount Cemetery.