Martha Smith, longtime county Democratic leader, dies
Martha Smith, a native of North Carolina who served as a cornerstone of, and stalwart worker for, the Chester County Democratic Committee, died Tuesday, just one week before an election that many of her fellow Democrats hope could see the party gain control of the county courthouse. She was 91.
Smith, of Westtown, served as a Jury Commissioner in the county for four terms, from 1997 to 2013, ending her run only when the county eliminated the elected position — a decision she fought all the way to the state Supreme Court.
Her death was announced by commissioner’s Vice Chairwoman Kathi Cozzone at the commissioners’ Tuesday work session. “For those of you who didn’t know her, she was small but she was mighty,” said Cozzone, her fellow Democratic county official.
Democratic Committee Chairman Dick Bingham notified members of the party of her death on Wednesday, referring to her as an excellent leader.
“Her legacy endures,” Bingham said in comments. “The Democratic Party is growing stronger every day. Thanks to Martha’s guiding hand over her long involvement with us, our county will soon be blue, an unimaginable prospect when she first began. We walk in her footsteps.”
Bingham referred to the continuing surge of party registered voters that many predict will soon see a plurality of Democratic voters in the historically Republican county. On Election Day, voters will vote on county officers that some predict could see several firsts — a Democratic majority on the Board of Commissioners, a Democratic District Attorney, and two Democratic Common Pleas judges.
The chairman asked party regulars for their reflections on Smith’s work for the party over the years and many responded.
Said former Cozzone aide Stephanie McLimans, “Martha served as an officer in the Democratic Women’s Club of Chester County and the State Club. She worked to raise money and success for both so that the Clubs could donate funds and give exposure to women candidates. Martha was a lovely dear lady who devoted countless hours to our Chester County Democratic Party.”
Echoed Marty Goch, a Westtown resident and candidate for district judge, “We Democrats in Westtown had the good fortune to come to know Martha because she was the Westtown Democrat who was here before any of us. She not only gave us wise advice over the years, but she regaled us with stories of her experiences with Democrats, famous and otherwise, characters all. And, she was always kind. We will miss her.”
Smith was born in the town of Claremont, N.C., and had lived in Westtown for more than 50 years. She was the widow of Houston J Smith.
She attended secretarial school and held many jobs as an administrative assistant and was also, a gifted artist. But her one true love was politics and her service to the county and the state of Pennsylvania.
Smith served as a party District Leader, Zone Leader and Committeewoman in Westtown and was a member of the Pennsylvania State Federation of Democratic Women for over 40 years, where she served as a member of the Federation’s Board beginning in 1984 and as Regional Director for six consecutive terms.
In 2000, she was also co-chair of the Federation’s convention in Philadelphia and elected “Woman of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women that same year. She was also awarded in 2000 the Liberty Bell by Former Mayor John Street of Philadelphia for her service.
The Chester County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative created a scholarship in her name giving scholarships to young women who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedication to serving their community, and participation in the Democratic Party.
She is survived by her daughter Laura Bradley (James), grandchildren Nina Marie Lyman (Charles), Sean Bradley and Jamie Bradley. Great-grandson Charles Kai Bishop Lyman IV. Predeceased are her brother Jack Sigmon and her sister Nina (Opal Sigmon) LaRue. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects her visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home in West Chester, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.Interment will be private.