Mary Jo (Martin) Smith Obituary (1939 - 2022)

Mary Jo Smith of New Salem, KY passed away on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Parkview Manor Assisted Living in Danville, KY. Born on May 16, 1939 in Turnersville, KY to the late Elmer "Doc" and Virginia Kennedy Martin. She was a widow to the late Raymond Earl Smith. Mary Jo was a member of New Salem Baptist Church. Mary Jo was a teacher at McKinney Elementary School for 36 years until her retirement. After retirement, she taught as a substitute teacher for 20 more years at various elementary schools in Lincoln County. Her passion in life was teaching kids, whether it was a school classroom, a Sunday School class or Vacation Bible School. She wanted to make an impact in her students lives for the better. Survivors include three daughters, Rita Ellis of Stanford, KY, Jenny Edwards (John) of Washington, IN and Kimberly Raikes of Bradfordsville, KY; two brothers, Powell Martin of Stanford and Dennis Martin (Regina) of Stanford; one sister, Brenda Hensley (Jesse) of Ohio; eight grandchildren, Ashley Meadows, Zach Ellis, Ryan Ellis, Jake Edwards, Dylan Ellis, Ethan Edwards, Justin Lark and Kelsey Raikes; twelve great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Along with her parents and husband, Mary Jo was preceded in death by three brothers, Russell (her twin), Carl and Fred Martin; a son-in-law, Tim Raikes; and a grandson, Gary Lark. Visitation will be on Monday, August 15, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Jeremiah Yocom Ministry Center (former McKinney Elementary School Gym). Funeral service will be on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jeremiah Yocom Ministry Center (former McKinney Elementary School Gym) with Bro. Tony Gooch officiating. Burial will follow in New Salem Cemetery. Active Pallbearers are her grandchildren, whom she loved more than life. Honorary Pallbearers are her former students that she loved as family. Memorials in lieu of flowers: Camp Judah Sponsorship Program P.O. Box 25 Danville, KY 40423 New Salem Cemetery Fund 10455 KY HWY 698 Hustonville, KY 40437