Funeral services for Martha Mae Bailey Smith, 80, of Ruston, will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, 10:00 am at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jonesboro, LA. Interment to follow at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Officiating the service will be Dr Reggie Bridges and Rev. Chris Lee.  Visitation will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Temple Baptist Church Chapel in Ruston, LA.

“Well done, good and faithful servant” – Matthew 25:23

Martha Mae Bailey Smith passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, at the age of 80 in Ruston, Louisiana. Many knew her as Martha, but those who loved her most called her “Honey.” A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was a woman of unwavering faith, boundless love, and a heart that always put family first.

Martha, daughter of Clyde and Ella Mae Bailey, was born on November 29, 1944, in West Monroe, Louisiana. Martha was the fourth of six siblings: Margie Henson, Jimmy Bailey, Daniel Bailey, Dean Bailey, and Ruth Dowdy – all of whom appreciated her decisive nature and determined spirit.

Following high school, Martha moved to New Orleans to attend Linda Brooks Beauty College.  While a student, she commuted to her job at Holmes Department Store on Canal Street by trolley and frequently appeared on the Second Cup morning show to model hats, hairstyles, and clothing. Following two years of a long-distance relationship, Bobby, her high school sweetheart, traveled to New Orleans to collect Martha and her many things. They were married shortly thereafter and established roots in Chatham, Louisiana, growing their family to four with the births of Gail and Kristi.  Martha curated a beautiful home and life for her family while managing the bookwork for the family’s businesses, Smith Timber Company and Bobby Smith Farm. For over four decades, Martha and Bobby were devoted members of Ebenezer Baptist Church and served in various capacities during that time.

Martha was fearless and determined. No task was too great – whether it was sewing curtains she had seen in a picture, cutting and installing her crown molding, or laying a brick paver floor in a herringbone pattern with a soldier row, she was not discouraged. Martha also had the heart of a servant; this was evident in the way she lovingly cared for others and trusted in the promises of the Lord for her life. Martha and Bobby shared a beautiful marriage until his passing in 2015. Though she mourned his loss, she carried on with grace and strength, always ensuring that her family and faith remained the center of her world.

After Bobby’s passing, Martha built a home in the Woodstone neighborhood of Ruston to be near her girls and grandchildren. Much to Martha’s delight, this relocation launched many dear friendships that she deeply treasured. Martha attended Temple Baptist Church and was active in the choir and the Glenda White-Love Sunday School class.

Martha never missed a moment to celebrate her loved ones, especially her cherished grandchildren. Whether it was a ball game, dance recital, or any of their many milestones, she was always there – cheering the loudest, offering the warmest hugs and a sharp sense of humor. Her love was steady, her presence constant, and her wisdom offered through daily group texts was a guiding light to her “grands.”  A woman of profound faith, Martha was always giving of her time, resources, and love. The recent arrival of her great-granddaughter, Margot, brought her tremendous joy; friends who came to visit were invariably greeted with pictures and videos of Margot’s latest adventures.  

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Ella Mae Bailey; sister, Margie Henson; brother Daniel Bailey; father- and mother-in-law, M.J. Smith and Pauline Smith; brothers-in-law, James Marshall Smith and Paul Smith; sister-in-law Elaine Bailey; and husband Bobby Smith.

Martha is survived by two adoring daughters, Gail VanDenLangenberg (Gene) and Kristi Tollett (Roland); four grandchildren, Adam VanDenLangenberg (Elizabeth), Mark VanDenLangenberg (Emily), Anna Katherine Spence (Hyder), and Jon Robert Tollett; great-granddaughter Margot VanDenLangenberg; brothers Jimmy Bailey and Dean Bailey (Shelley); and sister Ruth Dowdy (Wayne). Martha’s family will forever treasure the memories of her generous spirit, unabating support, and resolute love. Though she has left this earthly home to be with her Savior, Martha’s legacy of faith, love, and family devotion will continue to shine through the generations she so dearly and deeply loved.

Pallbearers will be Gene VanDenLangenberg, Roland Tollett, Adam VanDenLangenberg, Mark VanDenLangenberg, Jon Robert Tollett, and Hyder Spence. Honorary pallbearers will be Gaston Gonzalez and John Paul Gonzalez.

In lieu of flowers, Martha’s family is requesting that memorials be made to Temple Baptist Church of Ruston and Ebenezer Baptist Church of Jonesboro.

Rest in peace, dear Honey. You were the heart of our family, and your love will forever be our greatest gift. Your faith has become sight, and your joy is now complete in the presence of our Lord.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Martha Bailey Smith, please visit our Tribute Store.