Nova Smith Martin

WINSTON-SALEM-Mrs. Nova Helen Smith Martin, 90, of Winston-Salem, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at her home. Mrs. Martin was born on March 5, 1924 in Surry County, NC to Ransy Pinkney Smith and Evie Lelia Harris Smith. She worked at a defense plant here in Winston-Salem during World War II. After the war, she decided to start a new chapter in her life by moving north to Philadelphia, PA. Soon after her arrival, she met the love of her life, Donald. They moved back down to Winston-Salem where they spent their lives together. They enjoyed traveling and following the last of the big bands for ballroom dancing. Nova worked for Weight Watchers for 20 years. She was a member of Friedland Moravian Church. Nova was a 3-time cancer survivor. This inspired her to become a long-time volunteer at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Mrs. Martin was preceded in death along with her parents by her husband of 49 years, Donald Leroy Martin and a brother, Arlyss K. Smith. Mrs. Martin is survived by three children, Gary D. Martin of Jacksonville, FL, Marilyn M. Hester of Kernersville, NC and Stephen C. Martin (Bob Goodman) of Germanton, NC; five grandchildren, Zackary X. Martin, Michael P. Key, Jane Green, Kelli Hester and Kiyoshi Martin; two great-grandchildren, Zahir Martin and Gracye Key; numerous other loving family members and friends; her feline companion of 16 years, Millie and a special friend and caregiver, Julie Sonbert. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Forsyth Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. David Merritt and Rev. Carol Foltz officiating. The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Friday, May 2, 2014 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27103, A.A.R.F., 311 Harvey St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Forsyth County, 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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