Martha Helen (Hubbard) Smith

Martha Helen Hubbard Smith, age 82, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Greensboro, Georgia. Born March 1943, in Wilmington, North Carolina, she was one of four children of the late James Groce Hubbard and Erma Helena Winfree Hubbard.

Martha Helen (Marty) grew up in Alabama and carried that heritage throughout her life with the pride, gentility, and gracious social ease of a true Southern lady. A graduate of Talladega High School, she continued her education at Alabama’s University of Montevallo, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Psychology, and English in 1965.

That same year, she married Army Lieutenant James E. Wellman (1942–2025). Together they raised their daughters, Anne and Amy, living in Maryland, Texas, Nebraska, and Germany before settling in Satellite Beach, Florida, following his military retirement in 1980. They parted ways in 1984 but remained devoted co-parents and loving grandparents throughout their lives.

After dedicating many years to medical social work, Marty followed her passion for writing and editing, and in 1980 began what became a nearly 20-year career as a Senior Technical Writer/Editor and Reports Room Supervisor at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

In 1990, she relocated to Maryland for her work, where she met her second husband, Philip C. Smith (1937–2024). They were married in 1991 in Columbia, Maryland, bringing together their blended family - Amy, Anne, and Phil’s three children, Tammy, Sandra, and John. Marty was proud to introduce Phil to the remarkable group of friends she had gathered over the years - her ride-or-die, “glass of Nobilo” crew from schools, workplaces, and military stations along the way. Each friendship reflected her open heart, steadfast loyalty, and rare gift for turning kindred spirits into lifelong family. Phil, in turn, welcomed Marty into his own wide and caring circle, from a weekend Harley-Davidson club to the Thursday Night String Band, where she sang beautifully while he played the guitar.

Together, they traveled extensively both before and after their retirement in 1997. From a two-week honeymoon exploring New England by motorcycle, to cruises through the Caribbean and Mediterranean, train rides through the Canadian Rockies, and tours across Europe and the United Kingdom, they built a treasury of shared adventures. Over the years, they made homes near Baltimore, in the mountains of Asheville, and along Florida’s Space Coast before finally settling near family at Lake Oconee, Georgia.

In between travels, Marty’s greatest joy was being “Grammie” or, to some, “Graham Cracker.” She and Phil delighted in babysitting, dressing up for Halloween, and attending birthdays, recitals, sporting events, and graduations, celebrating every milestone of their six grandchildren. Whether as Mom or Grammie, she listened with patience, offered advice without judgment, or simply provided a soothing shoulder to cry on. She is deeply missed, but she set a standard of love, motherhood and grandparenting that her family will cherish and strive to carry forward.

Martha Helen Hubbard Smith lived life out loud, adorned in bohemian jewelry, floppy hats, and flowing garments in every shade of the rainbow - though purple, especially the quiet beauty of purple tulips, held a special place in her heart. Her homes were filled with photographs, keepsakes, music, and the enduring love she and Phil shared for more than 30 years.

Marty’s life is celebrated by her daughters, Amy Wellman (Michael Stone) of Concord, NC; Anne Jones (Eric Jones) of Greensboro, GA; Tammy Coburn (Jeff Coburn) of Ellicott City, MD; Sandra Smith (Beth Ryan) of Baltimore, MD; son John Smith (Jennifer Goubeaud) of Baltimore, MD; and daughter-in-law Jeanne Sweeney Smith of Baltimore, MD. She is also lovingly remembered by her six grandchildren: Jordan Coburn (Cole Duncan) of Annapolis, MD; Justin Jones (Lorin Jones) of Greensboro, GA; Nick Coburn of Ellicott City, MD; Jake Smith (Cory Souto) of New York, NY; Emily Jones of Savannah, GA; and Asa Smith of Philadelphia, PA.

In addition to her husband Phil, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Hubbard, and her brother, Bobby Hubbard. She is survived by her brother, Jim Hubbard (Geaniel Hubbard) of St. George, UT; her sister-in-law, Ginny Hubbard of Tuscaloosa, AL; and sister of the heart, Patricia Browning of Talladega, AL, who carry her memory with love.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Cocoa Beach, Florida, at a later date.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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