Claryce L. Martin, 97, Gas City, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2017, at Rolling Meadows Health Care and Rehab. She was born in Union, Ohio, to the late Edward M. and Amy (Robinson) Hamilton. She married Paul R. Smith, who preceded her in death in 1967. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, “Doc” Cedrick Martin, in 1979.
Claryce worked at the Sears department store in Marion for twelve years and was its first woman manager. She was a member of Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, where she started and managed the food pantry for several years. Claryce enjoyed reading, flower gardening, and spending time with her family. She was so thankful that “one of my family always managed to attend Mother’s Day services with me”. Claryce also loved to travel and visited many places throughout her life.
She is survived by her children, Paul E. (Rita) Smith, Hillsville, Virginia, Richard L. (Gaylene) Smith, Gas City, Philip L. Smith, Marion, Steven Keith (Ruth) Smith, Anderson, Kimberley (Cecil) Rogers, Gas City, and Katherine E. Graham, Fairmount; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, 2960 E. 38th St., Marion, IN. Services for Claryce will begin 1 p.m. with Rev. Joel Gearhart officiating. Burial will follow at Goshen Cemetery in Goshen, OH.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to the church’s food pantry.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.