Mrs. June Carol Smith Martin, 86, of Ararat, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family.
Mrs. Martin was born June 1, 1938, in Patrick County, VA, to the late Waller Harden “Buster” and Gladys Epperson Smith. June graduated from Blue Ridge High School in 1956, where she was an outstanding basketball player. After high school, she worked as a secretary at Adams-Millis until she decided to further her education. She entered the school of nursing at Surry Community College and received her nursing degree in 1974. She worked as a registered nurse at Patrick County Hospital and Northern Hospital of Surry County until she took an early retirement to care for her ailing husband until he passed away in 2002. June was an active member of The Fellowship Church, where she was a generous supporter of the church and a member of the church choir. She had a love of antique cars, bluegrass music, Boston Red Sox, and travel. She traveled extensively in the United States and parts of Europe. She and her special friend, Jake Brewer, attended many car shows, where they entered several of their antique cars. They also attended bluegrass festivals, especially at Myrtle Beach and other locations. Wherever there was bluegrass music playing, you could see June and Jake. She had a passion for her Boston Red Sox baseball team. June made several trips to Fenway Park in Boston, MA, and to spring training in Florida to see them play, and if they were playing on TV, she was there to cheer them on. Most of all, she loved her entire family. She was always there for them during sickness or health. Her family always appreciated her and loved her dearly. She will certainly be missed.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Anthony Lee and Yauna Branner Martin; four grandchildren, Mark Robert Martin, Hannah Carol Martin, Sarah Elizabeth Martin, and Everett Samuel Martin; a sister, Marie S. Epperson; a brother, William Harden “Bill” Smith; two sisters-in-law, Claudette Smith and Maxine Smith; three brothers-in-law, Michael Culler, Dennis Martin, and Felix Martin (Carol); her nieces and nephews, Sheila S. Brown (Rick), Terry Smith (Tamra), Waller Chadwick “Chad” Smith (Erin), Wendy S. Cartwright (Jeff), Linda J. Newton, Chip Jones, and Gary Epperson (Kathy); and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, June was preceded in death by her loving and faithful husband, Everett Lee Martin; an infant daughter, Melissa Carol Martin; two sisters, Bonnie Smith Culler and Allie Smith Jones; a brother, Wendell G. Smith; three brothers-in-law, Alton Jones, Roscoe Epperson, and Stuart Martin; and a nephew, Jeff Epperson.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Mark Collins and the Rev. Buford E. Jessup officiating. Burial will follow in the Unity Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love, care, and compassion shown by the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care and all her caregivers, including Brenda Butner, Tammy Milette, Betty Smith, Tamra Smith, Taylor Smith, Maxine Smith, Claudette Smith, Tammy Puckett, Dorothy Bowman, Sheila Secrest, and Jasmine Crowder. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017; or the Alzheimer’s Association, Patrick County Chapter, P.O. Box 1301, Stuart, VA 24171. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
