Martha Frances Smith Ward Carroll

Martha Frances Smith Ward Carroll, named for her paternal great grandmother, was born on January 31, 1927 to Houston “Red” Smith and Norma Lessie Story Smith. Martha grew up in Arkansas in the small town of Macedonia near her grandparents’ farm and was surrounded by family throughout her childhood. As Martha put it, Macedonia was “just a gathering of people where the two big roads met.” As a child, Martha delighted in spending weekends with her teacher, Miss Eva, who at times would take pupils with her for the weekend to the “big city,” Magnolia, as a treat. She met Travis Ward in 1944 in Magnolia, where she and her family had moved so her father could pursue a career as a carpenter. When Travis saw Martha in a small-town parade, he made sure to meet her at a local soda fountain, and the rest was history. After a brief courtship, Martha and Travis married in 1945, borrowing wedding bands from Travis’s sister, and started building a life together. The US Army Air Corps took them to military bases in California, Washington, DC, and Louisiana, and then they settled in Cayuga, Texas before finally moving to Athens, Texas, where they raised four children, Randy, Mike, Debra, and John. As members of the Builders Class, they were instrumental in financing construction of the new United Methodist Church in Athens. Her Thursday afternoon Bridge club was the social highlight in Athens for many years.

In 1971, Martha and her family moved to Dallas, where she was an active member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church. She was very involved as a philanthropist, working with the Crystal Charity Ball, the Dallas Summer Musicals, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

During those years, Martha frequently appeared in the society pages of the newspaper, wearing the latest fashion trends while volunteering her time for charity. Martha later returned to Athens, where she lived in a home at Oakwood overlooking Lake Athens. She married Dr. Donald Carroll in the summer of 1995 in an intimate ceremony in that same home, and they spent a happy 13 years together in Athens and Dallas until his death in 2008. Martha continued to be the anchor for her family and also enjoyed travelling, particularly to Italy and New York. She stayed connected with friends in California, Florida, and North Carolina, making frequent visits. Years later, Martha found love again in her companion, Don Iglehart and was always excited to inform others that they met at the gym. They shared a deep bond until his death in December of 2021.

Martha was a devoted mother who was deeply committed to her children as they each found their own path, and she loved each one for their individual strengths and talents. She was a paradigm of grace and style but never passed up an opportunity to go for a brisk walk or play tennis. Her home was full of hidden treasures her grandchildren and great grandchildren delighted in discovering. She was never without her lipstick, and everyone in her life at some point in time could be seen sporting the pink mark of a “MaMa kiss.” Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all share memories of spending holidays at her table anticipating the delicious homemade cakes and famous “MaMa Cookies” that awaited them after the meal.

Martha passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 3, 2024, four days after her 97th birthday, which she celebrated with family. She is preceded in death by her son, John Allen Ward; her brother, Jerry Wayne Smith; and both of her beloved parents.

She is survived by her children Randy and Katherine Ward, Mike and Charlya Ward, and Debra Pierce as well as Michele Burris, her former daughter in law. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Randall and Jennifer Ward, Laurie Brown, Mary Beth and Mark Vennerholm, Michael Ward, Elizabeth and Stephen Miller, Caroline and Ches Williams, Christine and Chris Flanagan, Allison and Boaz Cotton, Rachel and Ryan Gray, John Ward, III, and Ben Ward. Martha is survived by twenty great grandchildren: Ariel, Marc, and Michael Ward; Monica Brown, David Shea, and Travis Brown; Hudson, Seth, and Eliza Miller; Chesley and Charlya Grace Williams; Kate, Annette, and Christopher Flanagan; Zoe and Ethan McMillan; Lily and Ginny Rose Gray; and Kalie and Karina Fisher. Finally, Martha is survived by her faithful caregiver of more than twenty years, Julia Ramirez.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Highland Park United Methodist Church, Cox Chapel at 3300 Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, Texas. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Martha’s name to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Development Department, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas 75219.