Martha Loretta Hurley Smith, age 76, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Born on July 27, 1948, in Wedowee, Alabama, she was a cherished daughter of the late James Henry Hurley and Lexa Ann Pool Hurley.

Loretta pursued a passion for helping others by earning her diploma in nursing, which set the stage for a remarkable 40-year career in the healthcare field. She devoted a significant portion of her career to the University of West Georgia, where she served as a compassionate and skilled nurse. Her colleagues and patients alike appreciated her remarkable kindness, empathy, and unwavering dedication to her work.

Outside of her professional life, Loretta's greatest joy came from her family. She was a loving and supportive wife, a loyal sister, and a devoted mother, always prioritizing the needs of her loved ones. Her affectionate nature extended to her role as a grandmother, where she brought warmth and joy into the lives of her grandchildren.

Loretta will be remembered not only for her contributions to healthcare but also for the deep love and compassion she shared with everyone around her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched throughout her lifetime.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Loretta was preceded in death by her son, Chris Smith; sister, Letha Rice; and brother, John Hurley.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Dewey Lamar Smith; son & daughter-in-law, Steve & Kristi Smith; daughter, Lisa Rasbury; sister, Pat Holmes; brother, James Hurley; grandchildren, William & Emily Smith, Cody & Addison Smith, Brian Smith, Amber & Luke Peacock, Austin Smith, Aaron & Haley Smith, Shellie Rasbury, and Caitlin Rasbury; and great-grandchildren, Cara Smith and Ada Smith.

A funeral service will be held to honor and celebrate Mrs. Loretta's life on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 12:00 noon from the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with Minister Darrell Stephens officiating. Interment will follow in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Wedowee, Alabama, with Loretta's grandsons serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 AM until the hour of service.

Condolence messages can be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.