Martha Smith Taylor (68) passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 26, 2023, from complications from an aggressive form of cancer. Martha received her diagnosis in early September, yet true to her nature, stayed strong and private throughout her difficult battle. Even in her last days, she was able to charm and bring laughter to those around her, whether it was family, friends, or the medical staff treating her.
Martha was born on July 28, 1955, in Fayetteville, TN. She was the fourth of seven children and embraced her “middle child” status. She was an avid horse rider and used her skills to show horses and work on her family’s farm. Even in her younger years, she demonstrated a strong work ethic, often running cattle before going to school.
Martha graduated from Austin High School in 1973. She was voted “wittiest” by her classmates and maintained relationships with many of them throughout her life. Martha graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville before beginning a long career at Intergraph, later Mentor Graphics, where she worked as a technical writer and program manager. She maintained a strong connection with her former coworkers by meeting with them regularly for Friday morning breakfast.
Martha was known for her quick wit and incredible sense of humor. She was a proud supporter of her community, whether volunteering her time or supporting local farmer’s markets and craft shows. She was generous with her time and resources, often giving away her own clothes, furniture, or even her own vehicle, if she felt it helped someone else. She had a heart for service and remained quiet about the many contributions she made.
Until the end of her life, she maintained an active lifestyle, exercising regularly, getting involved with her local senior center, hanging out with friends and family, and making the drive between Decatur and Hoover to spend time with her granddaughter. Martha loved to travel, especially to the beach or extended trips out west. She was a proud member of the “Crewe of Chaos” Mardi Gras Crew and was dedicated to the fundraising and float building that contributed to the crew’s success and known for the clever and elaborate costumes she pulled off each year.
Martha is survived by her children Lindsay Taylor (Adam) Heard and Andrew Taylor; granddaughter Blakely Reese Heard; sisters Debbie Smith, Abbe Smith (Mickey) Bailey, and Cindy Smith (Ricky) Bowling; as well as several nieces, nephews, and others she “adopted” into her family.
She will be reuniting with her parents Dr. JT Smith and Ruth Brooks Smith; siblings Deedi Parker, Mike Smith, and Becky Smith Dishman; and nephew Luke Smith.
The family will honor her requests for cremation and no funeral service. Those that wish to pay tribute to her can do so by making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, an organization she supported for many years. A celebration of her life will be held at a later time.
Martha’s legacy lives on through the laughter she shared, the relationships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched through her acts of kindness. In our hearts, Martha will forever remain the funny, loving, and vibrant soul who made the world a brighter place.
Roselawn Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.
