The following was written by Jackie Taylor nee Jackie Witting, on the passing of our Mother, Martha Witting nee Martha Lemon and she read it at our Mom's funeral on 9-11-03.

God Gave Her That Lovely Smile

Martha Jane Lemon was born on June 12, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio to Lester and Bessie Lemon. She had 5 sisters and one brother. She was a twin.

The twins were very small and were kept near the oven to keep them warm. It's a wonder how they both survived. One day Martha looked up at her mother Bessie, and smiled. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

The twins had many sisters who helped them each and every day. But their only brother, Buddy, made Martha feel very special when he'd scoop her up in his big arms. Buddy caused Martha to smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

The twins grew up doing chores. On one occasion while going to the market with her mother Martha found a $10.00 bill. When they got home Martha showed her mother her find. On their next trip to the market Bessie bought the twin's hats that tied under their chins with a big bow. Martha's was red. It caused Martha to smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

Many years later when she became a young lady she met a boy named Jack. They use to go dancing or for walks along the shore of Lake Erie. They fell in love and were married. Jack caused Martha to smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

Together they had 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys. Martha loved her children and did everything a mother could do for them. The births of their children made Martha smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

Jack and Martha decided to head West. Three kids, a dog named Bootsie, a turtle found along the way and a big trailer made the trip. They found a home to call their own and settled in the town of Whittier, California. Her new home caused Martha to smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

Many memories were made in that home during our school years; Formal attires, promotions, ever pressing weed pulling parties, and one huge Dalmation named Buttons. Buttons made Martha smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

Marriages were soon followed by Grandchildren: Judith, Scott, Leah, Ryan, and Kyle. And beyond that, Great Grandchildren: Jacob, Gage, Zachary, Devon, Lauren, Isabella, Alani, and a new baby girl due in February 2004. All Great Grandmother Martha's Grandchildren made her smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

Many years later at Berryman's Retirement Home, Martha became the official lobby greeter. People coming and going would acknowledge her kindness and she easily made friends. Martha loved to greet people. It made her smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

Visits from friends and family at Berryman's were a special treat. Larry caused big smiles just by coming to visit or by staying to have Candlelight Dinners with her. One day he gave her a stuffed toy Dalmation. It brought back many fun memories. It made Martha smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

Animals brought to Berryman's were a very special treat as Martha loved animals. When Tim brought her a "sounds of nature" box Martha liked to keep it on the bird sounds. It caused Martha to smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

When Martha became ill she didn't complain. Through all her pain she still said "please and thank you" to her caregivers. She treasured visits from all family members but she sparkled the most when her Great Granddaughter came to visit outside her window. Two year old Lauren caused Martha to smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave her that lovely smile.

At 1:34 AM on September 9, 2003 Martha drew her last breath and was still. A moment later she smiled. Jesus caused Martha to smile. It was a beautiful smile. God gave back to us one lovely last smile.