Martha Mathis Smith, 60
February 2, 1965 – August 5, 2025
On the evening of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, our beloved Martha Ann Mathis Smith, age 60, departed this life unexpectedly while doing what she loved most—spending time on the lake, kayaking side by side with her cherished brother, James David. Though her passing was sudden and deeply heartbreaking, there is comfort in knowing that she and her brother left this world together, embraced by the beauty of nature and the joy of each other’s company. In God’s grace, we believe they are now reunited in Heaven, still paddling through eternal waters of peace and love.
A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at a later date, as the family kindly asks for continued prayers in the days ahead. Please share your memories and moments of joy experienced with such a beautiful soul.
Born on February 2, 1965, in Bolivar, Tennessee, Martha is the daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Wilbanks and the late George David Mathis. She received her education from the Illinois Public School System and carried an unmatched work ethic throughout her life. Whether waitressing or cooking at a local diner, preparing homecooked meals that warmed both the stomach and the soul, or serving the residents of Ripley’s nursing home with compassion, Martha had a heart for people. She made strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family.
A Christian woman, Martha embraced life wholeheartedly. She found joy in the simplest pleasures—days spent at the lake, kayaking and fishing, soaking in the sun, or swimming. Her place of residence reflected her warm and whimsical spirit, proudly displaying her beloved collection of garden gnomes, various collection of Betty Boop memorabilia, including one of her tattoos and beautiful flower beds she tended with love. But more than anything else, Martha’s heart belonged to her grandchildren. She believed they hung the moon, and they knew without a doubt that her love for them knew no bounds.
This tragedy has left an irreplaceable void, but we hold fast to the promise of eternal life. As Martha and James David left this world doing what brought them peace and happiness, we find solace knowing they are now forever in the presence of the Lord—free, reunited, and surrounded by the beauty of Heaven.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain..”— Revelation 21:4
Those left to carry on her memory include her daughter, Crystal Sipes Porterfield (William Dwayne), her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth, her brothers and sisters she considered just as her own family, Tracy Mathis, Rickey Young, and Teresa Toth, and eight grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her son, James Allen Sipes, and her brother, James David Mathis.
Ripely Funeral Home invites you to share memories Martha’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
