Lala(h) Florence Smith was born on December 5, 1934, in Lester, West Virginia, to Juanita Shumate and George Clayton Smith. She was the sister of three siblings: Wanda, Ellen, and Virginia. Wanda, the only remaining sister, resides in Northern Virginia.

Florence earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Education. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to teaching in various schools located in Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Wiesbaden, and Ramstein, Germany. She retired from Bethel High School in Hampton.

Florence is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Eugene "Gene" Martin, whom she married at age 75 and was blessed to spend 13 years enjoying each other. Florence leaves behind her older sister, Wanda O’Dell McGuiness, daughter, Denise L. Topping, and her husband, Warren, along with grandchildren Abigail Lalah Topping and Jacob Richard Topping. She is also survived by her son, Jeffrey Karl Kuhn, granddaughter Ella Marie Kuhn, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

After retiring, Florence enjoyed watching her grandchildren, tending to her garden, writing poetry, and embroidering. Her quilts and wall hangings serve as a reminder how much she loved us all.

Recently, Florence celebrated her 91st birthday. She was an incredibly strong and intelligent woman, independent, and a little stubborn. She took care of herself until the very end. Let’s hope she is free from her walker and is joyfully writing poems and embroidering to her heart's content.

Florence chose a saying for her marker when she and her late husband, Gene, purchased their memorials: “Make of Yourself a Light.” She is a light to the many people’s lives she touched. Though she may be gone physically, we will forever cherish our memories.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.