Martha Alice Morton Smartt

Martha Alice Morton Smartt was born July 27, 1929, in Manchester and died January 14, 2023, at the Webb House Retirement Center after a short illness.

She was the daughter of George Bowlin and Frances Sullivan Morton.  Martha grew up in Manchester and was a 1947 graduate of Manchester Central High School.  She attended the University of Tennessee and was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. On December 28, 1949, she married Diemer Lamb Smartt and they spent their married life on Oaklawn Farm in the Smartt Station community of Warren County.  She was fortunate to have been taught the value of hard work by her parents and that helped prepare her for the transition from life in Manchester to life on the farm.  She tackled every challenge on the farm with determination and as their children got old enough to help on the farm she began a career with First National Bank which she enjoyed for nearly 20 years. She and Diemer were blessed with 50 years of marriage living all those years together on the farm.

She was a member of McMinnville First United Methodist Church where she was active for many years.  She was devoted to every area of ministry there and continued while she was physically able to do so. 

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Bowlin and Frances Morton; her beloved husband, Diemer Smartt, and her sister, Dot Morton Couch. 

She is survived by her two sons, one daughter and their spouses, George and Tammy Smartt, Keith and Marlene Smartt and Teresa and Leo Barrett, all of McMinnville.

She is also survived by nine grandchildren and spouses, Alex and Johnny Minnear, Dr. Jac Smartt and Jonathan Chastain, Madison Smartt and John Davis, Will Smartt, Aaron and Emily Smartt, Christopher Basham, Sarah and Austin Carter, Drew and Deanna Barrett and Renee’ and B.J. Burch; four great-grandchildren, Ethan Barrett, Isaac Smartt, Bryce Burch and Vivian Chastain; dear brother and sister-in-law, George (G.B.) and Ellen Morton of Naples, FL and her bonus son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Marsha Newman and their sons, Will, Ben, Wesley, and John. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews whom she has loved and nurtured during their lives. 

Her family is especially grateful to Martha’s extended family at the Webb House Retirement Center where she resided for over 8 years and to Avalon Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.  Also, to Dr. Todd Stewart who loved and treated her for many years.

The Smartt Family will receive friends from 3 PM to 8 PM on Friday, January 20th at High Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be at 1 PM on Saturday, January 21st at First United Methodist Church in McMinnville with Rev. Ryan Heatherly and Rev. Adam Rush officiating with burial to follow at Gardens of Memory. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Main Street, McMinnville, TN. 37110 or to Meals on Wheels, 106 East End Drive, McMinnville, TN. 37110.

Online condolences may be left at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.