May 7, 2025, 94, Goldsboro —
With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life and peaceful passing of Martha Winifred Smith Jarnagin, aged 94. Martha transitioned from this world on May 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of joy and kindness. Her journey was marked by a life well-lived, filled with cherished memories and deep connections that will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Born in Craven County, she was the cherished daughter of Samuel Eugene Smith and Martha Skinner Smith. Martha’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and community. Initially a homemaker, she was known for her adventurous spirit, often traveling across the country to visit friends and family, making childhood a delightful experience for her loved ones. Her community involvement included roles as a Campfire Girl and Bluebird Leader, Sunday school teacher, and a Master Gardener. Her passion for gardening was highlighted in a feature in the Kinston Free Press, showcasing her remarkable watermelons grown in her front yard.
Martha’s career included various endeavors, such as managing an antique shop and organizing the inaugural annual Fireman’s Day in Dover, inspired by her gratitude towards the community that aided her recovery from severe burns. Her artistic talents were evident in her embroidery and quilting, creating exquisite pieces during her healing process.
Her selflessness and compassion were evident in her work as a patient care attendant, providing support to clients in their homes well into her eighties. Martha’s life was a testament to her generosity, always willing to offer her time and resources to those in need, embodying the teachings of Jesus. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched with her kindness and love.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home and other times at the home of Ray and Pam Farmer. A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Coastal Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather Alfred Lee Manning; her devoted husband Joseph Ruohs Jarnagin; brother Herrin Eugene Smith (Mary); granddaughter Lesley Dawn Pillow; and grandson Ryan Austin Poe.
Martha leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, survived by her children: Sandra Pillow, Brenda Traylor (Mike), Mary Poe, Spencer Jarnagin (Kristi), and Pamela Farmer (Ray). She was also the proud grandmother to Nicole T. Bare (Dan), Victor Pillow, Aaron Traylor, Ashley P. Daniels (Patrick), Jessica F. Turner (Dustin), Sara F. Ginn (Taylor), Anna Jarnagin (Alex), and Samantha Jarnagin. Her great-grandchildren include Adrian Nottonson (Ashley), Ashlynn Traylor, Ayden Traylor, Piper Turner, Violet Turner, Annalee Daniels, Hadley Ginn, Jackson Turner, Miller Kate Ginn, Lauren Olivia Daniels, Patrick Daniels Jr., and Lily Turner. Additionally, Martha was blessed with great-great-grandchildren Paisley Nottonson, Lincoln Nottonson, Remie Nottonson, and Declyn Nottonson.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Magnolia Cottage Family Care, who embraced Martha as one of their own. We also wish to thank the staff Gentiva Hospice and Dr. Will Baker for their exceptional care for Martha in her final days.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
