Viola “Jane” Martin Smith

Viola “Jane” Martin Smith, eighty-nine, of Cumming, Georgia passed away on April 15, 2025. Born on March 28, 1936, Jane was a lifelong native of Forsyth County. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe (Kicker) Smith, her parents, Rev. Duffey Martin (father) and Belle Sosebee Martin (mother), and granddaughter, Lauren Jane Seidel Miles. At the age of twelve, she was saved at Friendship Baptist Church. Later in life she became a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where she was an active member until her death. On August 29, 1953, she married her true love, Joe “Kicker” Smith. From this union came Darlene Smith Seidel (Roland), Mylinda Smith Merck (James), and Timothy Smith (Millie). Jane was then blessed with many grandchildren, who lovingly called her Nanny. They include: Cheryl Seidel, Nathanael Seidel, Lauren Seidel Miles (Todd), Rachel Seidel Norris (Loren), Julie Merck Williams (Chad), Nicole Merck LeCave (Sean), Mary Jane Merck Cagle (Dustin), Ashley Merck Harbin (Eli), Duffey John “DJ” Smith, Murphy Smith, and many wonderful great grandchildren. Jane had a very active part in all her grandchildren’s lives while they were growing up, and left an incredible mark on their lives. She instilled in them great values, and most importantly, helped them achieve firm foundations in their faith.

While Jane was many great things in her life, she always held being a Christian at the forefront of her life. She had a great love for the Lord and loved going to church any chance she could. From childhood, she would go with her father while he pastored churches in her community. She always loved to tell the stories of her times visiting with him. She also loved attending revivals at all the churches she had been to as a girl. She was an active member at church and helped with the Choir and Music Ministry, Sunday School, Church Camp, Vacation Bible School, and many other activities. The Christian values that Jane held so dear moved her to help many in her community. She and her husband were passionate about helping their son and daughter-in-law with their food bank, The Unseen Hand Food Ministries. Joe and Jane helped deliver food boxes to many families throughout many counties, including Forsyth.

Jane loved her children, grandchildren, and family. She valued and cherished the time she got to spend with them. She loved to visit and go to gospel singings any chance she could. The legacy she left her family will be remembered for generations to come. Words can never express just how much she will be missed by the ones who loved her the most.

The Smith family and loved ones will celebrate her life on April 26th at 1:00 p.m. The service will be held at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia with Rev. Stephen Davis leading prayer for the family before the service. Officiating over the service will be Rev. Gary Goffey, Rev. Nicky Gravitt, Rev. Dennis Bottoms and Rev. Doug Taylor. Rev. Danny Jarrard and the Zion Hill Choir will provide the music and singing. Interment will follow at the mausoleum in Sawnee View Gardens with Rev. Roger Townley.

Visitation is open to family and friends on Friday, April 25th from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, April 26th from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The service can be seen at https://youtube.com/live/cbfCgtj6ljs?feature=share

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to The Unseen Hand Ministries, Inc., 5650 Riley Road, Cumming GA 30028 in memory of Mrs. Jane Smith.