Martha Claire Alexander Bowling, 87, passed away in her sleep on June 24, 2020, in Jackson, Mississippi.

A graveside service will be held at Riverwood Memorial Park at 12:00 noon, Saturday, June 27, alongside her beloved husband Daniel S. Bowling, Jr.,

who passed away in 2003. The service will not be strictly limited to family members but those in attendance are asked to carefully follow distancing and other

precautions. Decisions to honor and celebrate Martha's life in ways other than attending the service are understood and very much appreciated by the family.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Martha Claire, as she was known in Alabama, was born in Fayette, Alabama, in 1933 into a well-respected family where

Christianity and learning went hand in hand. She was valedictorian of Fayette High School, and followed her older siblings to the University of Alabama,

graduating at the top of her class and elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She was a student of classical music and the piano which became

lifelong passions, along with the Crimson Tide.

Also, she was president of her social society Alpha Gamma Delta. While there she met Dan, the love of her life, and after marrying

she moved around the country supporting his military and

corporate careers with their two young children.

Eventually, they settled in Brookhaven and planted their feet in the ground. After Dan passed, she became known as “Miss Martha”

and was beloved by all. She never had a harsh word for anyone,

in public or private. She taught hundreds of Brookhaven teenagers to play the piano and many stayed in touch with her until the end.

She continued to play the piano at a high level and gave a concert

to Matinee Musicale as recently as last year. She was also a

devoted member of the Brookway Church of Christ.

All who knew her commented on her quick wit, intelligence,

and musical ability, as well as her kindness and humanity.

She did not go into hiding after her Dan passed; instead of remaining an active member

of the community and her church. She loved

her children, grandchildren, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

She is dearly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to Dan, Martha was preceded in death by her parents Margaret Brewer Alexander and Joe Alexander,

and her siblings Dr. Jack Wingate Alexander and Margaret Alexander Black.

She is survived by her sons Daniel Seymour Bowling, III and his wife Elizabeth, and David Alexander Bowling and his wife Jean,

her brother Joe Alexander, her grandchildren Daniel S. Bowling, IV, Edward Alexander Bowling, Joseph Emmet Bowling,

Charles Alexander Bowling, Elizabeth Margaret Bowling, and Jack Bowling, her nieces Claire Black Tisdal, Margaret Alexander Wiygul,

Dana Kilgore Alexander and her nephew Joseph Drew Alexander.

Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Nell Brown Smith will be held Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11 AM at Bethesda Baptist Church. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:00 with burial at Ephesus Cemetery under the direction of Riverwood Family Funeral Services. Elder Hugh Sanders and Bro. Al Weeks officiating.

Clara Nell Brown Smith peacefully went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 86.

Mama Nell as she was known by all, was born February 12, 1934 in Jefferson County where she resided her entire life. Her parents were A. M. (Doc) Brown and Thelma Curtis Brown Stubbs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Mary Bush and Martha Buckels, one brother Doc Brown, Jr., son-in-law Randy Cummins and granddaughter Hope Emfinger.

Nell was well known for her athletic ability and was a star basketball player at Fayette and Union Church High Schools. She was offered a basketball scholarship after graduation but declined it to marry the love of her life and become our sweet Mama. She enjoyed collecting antiques and beautiful glassware. She was an upholsterer because she loved making a ragged piece of furniture become a thing of beauty again. She was a great cook and made the best homemade biscuits. Mama Nell will also be long remembered for making big delicious homemade popcorn balls each Halloween for Trick or Treaters. She loved to laugh and never met a stranger. Mama and Daddy cherished each visit with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mama loved the Lord and shared that love with others. She was a member of Fayette Baptist Church and attended Bethesda Baptist Church for many years as well. Survivors include her beloved husband of 68 years, Rayford Smith, three daughters Sheila (Butch) Emfinger, Lynda (John Wayne) Purser both of Meadville, MS and Kay Cummins (special friend James Neal) of Corsicana, TX. One son, Ray (Julie) Smith of Fayette, MS., brothers Hugh Brown of Brandon, MS and Bobby Stubbs of Raymond, MS. Her grandchildren: Brad Emfinger, Britney McWilliams, Rachel Brocato, Adam Purser, Emy Roider, Jill Ephlin, Shelley Golden, Jennifer West, Josh Smith and 17 Great Grandchildren. A very special brother-in- law, Joe Smith and Sisters in law Christine Warren and Faye Keeton.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to her caregivers: Pat Wells, Sonya Kennedy, Deborah Thomas and Ann Houghton for their loving care during her illness.

Memorials can be made to Ephesus Cemetery, 835 Red Lick Road, Lorman, MS. 39096.