Martha Smith

Martha Ann Smith, age 81, went home to be with her dear Savior on Monday, May 29, 2023. Born Martha Ann “Polly” Graves, in Semora, North Carolina, on Saturday, January 24, 1942, Martha was the fourth child of the late Mr. Willie Graves and the late Mrs. Florine Stewart Graves.

As a young child, Martha lived on the family’s tobacco farm with her six sisters and two brothers. As a teenager, she began her lifelong work caring for children, as she began babysitting.

When an older sister married and moved to Columbus, Ohio, Martha moved with her and remained for the rest of her days. There, she met and married her first husband, the late Paul Herman Lofton, with whom she had her two children, Paul William Lofton and Tammy (Lofton) Titus.

When Martha joined Shiloh Baptist Church, she began following her life’s calling of service. She was a faithful member of Sunday School Class #5. She also faithfully served in the Nurses Ministry, in the Women’s Chorus, and with the Food Pantry.

At Shiloh Baptist Church, she also met and married her beloved second husband, Deacon Charles Henry Smith. Together they continued their faithful service of working with youth groups and with the Deacon Board. Together, they also became charter members of Faith Ministries Church, where they continued their years of serving in many forms. Martha was well known for organizing the church picnics, raising money for various charities, and for ministering with food.

When she retired, Martha did not stop working. She cared for many children through her own babysitting business, as a Foster Grandparent at various locations in Columbus, and as an assistant at Letting Kids Succeed summer program. Most recently, Martha served as a teacher’s aide at Hamilton Stem School, where she was known affectionately by all as “Grandma.”

In her later years, Martha met and married the Honorable Charles Ohia. With him, she was blessed to meet many new friends and experience African culture. During her final days, her husband ensured that she was well cared for and happy.

In addition to her parents and first two husbands, Martha was preceded in death by her brothers, Willie Graves and James Graves and by her sister, Nannie Mae Garland. She leaves behind her loving husband, Hon. Charles Ohia; children, Paul and Tammy; step-children, Precious Ohia, Prince Ohia, and Princess Ohia; sisters, Cora Crawley, Florine Totten, Janette Wade, Barbara Wade, and Joyce Mitchell; in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, “adopted” children, friends, and a host of those she cherished and loved.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION IN MARTHA’S NAME TO ST JUDE’S CHILDREN RESEARCH HOSPITAL.