Malinda Mae Martin

Malinda Mae Martin was born May 1, 1931, in Shreveport, La. She was the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Martin.

Education for Colored people (as they were known, at the time in the rural south) was limited. Therefore, Malinda received her childhood education, life experiences, and religious upbringing in her hometown. Her strong determination led her to leave her immediate family and begin her own life at 16 years old.

During Malinda’s teenage years, she met and married Joseph Lee Smith on Jan. 28, 1947. The two migrated to Lafayette, Ark. From this union, they welcomed a daughter, Easter Mae Smith, and three sons, Joseph Lee Smith Jr., Earl Lee Smith and James Phillip Smith. After the demise of her marriage to Joseph, she and her small children relocated to Osceola. Malinda worked tirelessly to provide a stable home for her four children. Several years later, she wed a gentleman by the name of James “Sonny” Hughes. Everyone called him “Sonny” and he became a loving devoted husband and father to Malinda and her children. Eventually their family relocated to Blytheville. Their strong bond provided blissful memories of family structure and farm experience, until he preceded her in death in November 2005. After some time as a widow, Malinda joined union with Robert Webb, until she preceded him in death on Feb. 18, 2023.

Malinda was a well-respected pillar in her community and church. She worked 40 years of service at a local hospital in her residential environment. Her religious roots and values led her to join New Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. There she became an active and dedicated member, often working on the Feeding Committee. She was affectionately called “Mama Hughes”, as she served on different committees and honored the Lord through praise, worship and service. She served until she could no longer physically participate. Malinda loves the Lord and gracefully answered his call home to heaven. “Mama Hughes” is rejoicing with the Lord and family and friends that preceded her in death. Malinda Martin Hughes celebrates four generations of the Smith family.

She leaves to mourn, her only living son of Hemet, Calif., Earl Lee Smith (Earletta); her husband, Robert Webb; her three children, Easter, Joseph Jr. and James each preceding her in death. A vast number of grand to greatest grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins, in-laws, extended family and friends. Her presence will be missed by all who knew her.

A visitation service will be Saturday, March 4, at New Mt. Olive M.B. Church from 9-10 a.m., funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. with Pastor Doug Echols officiating. Burial service will be held at Memory Garden. Wilson Funeral Home will be in charge of services.