Viola “Jane” Martin Smith

Viola “Jane” Martin Smith, eighty-nine, of Cumming, Georgia passed away on April 15th, 2025. Born on March 28th, 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 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 29th, 1953, she married her true love, Joe “Kicker” Smith. From this union came Darlene Smith Seidel, 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, 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 such 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 visiting all the churches during revival, that she had been to as a little girl. She was an active member at church and helped with Sunday School, Church Camp, Vacation Bible School, and many other activities. Jane used the Christian values, that she held so dear, to help many in her community. Jane and her husband were passionate about helping their son and daughter-in-law with their foodbank, 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. She left her legacy with her family that 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 Ingrams funeral home in Cumming, Georgia with Rev. Doug Taylor, Rev. Nicki Gravitt, Rev. Dennis Bottoms, and Rev. Gary Coffey. Family prayer with Rev. Stephen Davis. Interment to follow at Sawnee View Gardens with Rev. Roger Townley. Rev. Danny Jarrard to accompany on piano.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation 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 family requests, in lieu of flowers that donations be made to The Unseen Hand Food Ministries in memory of Mrs. Jane Smith. Please send donations to: 5650 Riley Road, Cumming, Ga 30028