Martha L. Smith

Mrs. Martha Lucas Smith, the oldest child born to the late Herrington and Elizabeth Lucas was born October 1, 1934 in the Kelleytown Community of Darlington County. She entered eternal rest on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

Martha attended Darlington Public School System and was a graduate of Butler High School.

At an early age, Martha received the Lord as her Savior and became a member of Kellybell United Methodist Church. She later became a member of Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she and her loving husband were baptized together in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Her husband the late Reverend Monel Smith received the calling to the Ministry and served as a pastor of various church in South Carolina. She served diligently beside her husband working in many capacities in the church including Superintendent and Secretary of Sunday School. 

She was a member of several auxiliaries such as: the Missionary Society, Joint Stock Lodge #726, Choir Member, Pastor’s Aide, and Deaconess Board.

Mrs. Martha was well known throughout the City of Hartsville. She and her husband were founders of the Quick Stop , which was a neighborhood convenience store, upholstery shop, and an office for his contracting and building services. She served as the Secretary and bookkeeper of the various family businesses. Later in life, she became a homemaker and child care provider for community families and friends.

She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She loved watching game shows, listening to the sermon of the day on Glory 98.5. She loved her family and enjoyed making delicious holiday meals. She was a skillful baker of cakes and pies. The thing she loved most was spending time with her grandchildren, Asia and Brice. 

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Reverend Monel Smith; her parents, Herrington and Elizabeth Lucas; two daughters, Lisa Smith and Renee Smith Johnson; one sister, Annie Jo Murray; one brother, Herrington Lucas, Jr.; one granddaughter, Nikki Giovanni Kelley; and one great grandson, Cameron Cooper.

Those left to cherish her memories are: a daughter, Giovanna Smith Kelley of Hartsville, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Asia Kelley Cooper of Columbia, South Carolina; Johnathan Brice Johnson of Durham, North Carolina; one son-in-law, Herman Johnson of Orangeburg, South Carolina; one sister-in-law, Minnie Smith of New Castle, Delaware; her sister’s only living child, Phyleshia (James) Tinsley; and a host of nieces, nephews, close relatives, extended Church families, and friends.

Please keep the family of Martha L. Smith in your thoughts and prayers.