Martha Jo Smith

Bartow - Martha Jo Smith, age 91, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026. She was born on January 15, 1935, in Dozier, AL to Lester & Maggie Clark. Martha and her late husband Dempsie moved to Bartow in 1953 for a short time before moving to Niagara Falls, NY until returning to Bartow in 1966, from there they moved to Lakeland, where they had a home for 50 years. In recent years Martha returned to Bartow. She was a Homemaker who loved to cook and spend time with her family. Martha was Baptist. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Dempsie Smith and daughter Lynn Doucette, as well as four grandchildren and three great grandchildren, her three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her two daughters, Diane Olinger & husband Wayne and Gail McLendon & husband Roy; four sons Steven Smith & wife Tracie; Terry Smith and wife Jana; Richard Smith and wife Kim; Daniel Smith and wife Lori, 24 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. A Celebration of Martha's life will follow at 11:00 am Saturday September 12, 2026, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com