Rev. Martha Josephine (Fulmer) Smith

The Rev. Martha Josephine Fulmer Smith, 93, of Athens, Georgia, transitioned, at peace, from this realm on the afternoon of February 17, 2024, at Highland Hills Memory Care in Watkinsville, GA.

Born in Jacksonville, FL, on December 29, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Floyd Fulmer and Dorothy Baskin Fulmer and sister to the late Carolyn Fulmer Stalvey of Brunswick, GA.

Martha Jo received her Master of Divinity degree from Emory's Candler School of Theology in 1986. During her time as an ordained Deacon and then Elder with the United Methodist Church, she served several congregations in Georgia, including Pentecost UMC, Winder; Center UMC, Nicholson; Liberty UMC in Hephzibah; and Cave Spring UMC, Cave Spring.

Following retirement, Martha Jo earned her certification as a Healing Touch practitioner, continuing to work with others, physically and spiritually, at the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support in Athens.

Martha Jo will lovingly be remembered by many she touched through her deep devotion and loyalty, her help and guidance through life’s joys and sorrows, her love of pizza, her love of family, and her supportive friends.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca (Becky) Smith and Michael John Franklin of Athens, GA and Bozeman, MT; granddaughter, Laura Elizabeth Franklin of Denver, CO; her dear niece, Lynn Moore of Brunswick, GA.; and several cousins.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of St, Mary’s Highland Hills Memory Care and Agape Hospice of Clarke County for their loving, compassionate care.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Saturday, February 24, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West Chapel in Watkinsville, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in Martha Jo's memory to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, PO Box 647 Americus, GA 31709 or www.rosalynncarter.org/donate/

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is responsible for arrangements.