Obituaries

Sarah Redonna Martin, 78, of Bassett, Virginia, transitioned to her heavenly home Thursday, February 19, 2026. She was born in Martinsville, Virginia, on July 18, 1947, to the late Giles M. Smith and Hazel Louise Johnson Smith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Brenda Fitzgerald; and brothers, Wilbert Smith and Ray Smith.

Sarah was a faithful member of Star of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School, Class of ’65, and was employed at Bassett Chair for 30 years, followed by a career with New Roads as an administrator for ten years. Sarah loved cooking and enjoyed reading, particularly action and romance novels. She spent quality time with her grandchildren, often attending her grandson’s games. Her family holds fond memories of Sarah, with her sisters especially remembering their spa and winery days together.

She is survived by her husband, Fred A. Martin; daughter, Chasity Wimbush (Cliff); two grandchildren, Ezekiel Wimbush and Xavier Wimbush; sisters, Annie Loper, Kay Page, Eunice Carter, Fran Preston, Lisa Smith; and brothers, Garry Smith (Joyce), Elmer Smith (Doris), Phil Smith (Ruth), F. Dwight Smith, and Fred Smith.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Star of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church located at 1116 Mary Hunter Drive, Bassett, Virginia. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held one-half hour prior to the service. A floating visitation will take place Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 3:30-5:30 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel. Family will receive guests at 703 John Henry Road, Bassett, Virginia.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.