The Smith and Bateman families are sad to announce the passing of a loved one. Ms. Martha Faye Bateman Smith “Spike” was born on February 23, 1955 in Lenox, GA to the parentage of the late Willie B Brown and the late Fannie Mae Bateman in Lenox, GA. She was reared between Lenox and Tifton, GA. She was a member of Joy Temple C.O.P Ministries in Lenox, GA and adored her Pastor, Bishop Q. S. Caldwell. On Saturday December 7, 2019, God sent His Angel of Mercy to deliver His child home. Martha was educated in the Tift County School System and was a member of the Class of 1973. Martha was a “Master Cook” and her cooking was known and tasted throughout the South. She was the Owner and Operator of Spike’s Place and Spike’s Catering Service where she enjoyed the opportunity to display her cooking talents. She loved cooking in her home and inviting friends and family to a good meal and time of fellowship. She loved watching Basketball and Westerns’ on TV as well as playing Spades and Pokeno. Although Martha “Spike” had a bite that could clear a room; she will be forever remembered for her infectious smile that would light of a room. Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Willie B Brown and Fannie Mae Bateman; maternal grandmother, Cora Johnson; and nephew, Reginald Bateman.

Martha leaves to cherish her memories her daughters, Minister Dynita (Marlorn) McCoy and Brandy Bateman; her one and only granddaughter, Brakia “Coonie” Bateman; sister, Mary Bateman; Brother, James Bateman; Nieces and Nephews, Anthony (Elevia) Bateman, Janice (Ron) Thomas, Cecelia (Jarvis) Jennings; Shauna Bateman, Sonji Bateman, Sheralyn Bateman, Nikki Brown, Patrice Bateman, Melinda Bateman, Barabbas Bateman, Dexter Bateman, Shameka Bateman, Shanna Bateman, Jameshia Bateman, Dominique Samuels, Edward Samuels, De’Avalon Samuels along with a host of grand and great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and love ones.