Martha Smithson Mitchener

Ms. Martha Faye Smithson Mitchener, age 85, passed away on May 19, 2026, at Perry County Nursing Home, just days before her 86th birthday. She was born on May 25, 1940, in Williamson County, Tennessee, to the late Lloyd Henderson Smithson and Nannie Lane Smithson.

Martha was the youngest of six siblings and grew up on a tobacco farm in Williamson County. She attended Bethesda School and carried with her throughout life the values of hard work, connection, and caring for others.

In 1974, she moved to Perry County and began building a life rooted in community. She worked at the Perry County Jail and the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office before finding her calling at Bank of Perry County. Martha retired in July 2019 at age 77 after 33 years of service. She loved people, and banking was the perfect fit for her. She greeted every customer with a hello and a smile and built relationships that extended far beyond transactions.

Martha also loved traveling. She and her husband, Donald “Porter” Mitchener, traveled extensively and visited every continent except Africa. After his passing, she continued traveling with friends, though she stayed a little closer to home.

More than anything, Martha loved her family. She especially loved cooking for them and caring for them through meals shared together. It has often been said that she made the best cornbread in the world.

She was deeply involved in her community as a longtime member of the Perry County Democrats and helped organize countless benefits and events to support individuals and families in need.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald Smithson, Raymond Smithson, and Douglas Smithson; and her sisters, Annie Belle White and Louise Hooper; and a step-son Michael Mitchener.

She is survived by her daughters, Kim Campbell of Linden and Pam (Frank) Barber of Orlinda; step-daughter Stacy (Ronnie) Roland, and step-sons Tracy Blocker and Jeff Mitchener, grandchildren, Steve (Lamanda) Bryant, Trey (Michelle Kearney) Barber, Cole Campbell and Laura (Mitchell) Andrews; step-grandchildren Ronda Roland and Brent Roland; great-grandchildren, Brandon Barber, Alexis Barber, Steven Bryant, Codie Bryant, Gauge Andrews and Waylon Andrews; one great-great-grandchild, Roman Bryant; several beloved nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Buddy's Rescue, Linden, Tn. in Martha's memory.

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