Bernice "Momma B" Smith Martello

Bernice “Momma B” Martello,77, ended her long battle with breast cancer surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren . She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; son, Vince; parents, Newton and Obnetta Smith; brother, Sam; and sisters, Margie and Peggy. She is survived by her son Chris; daughter, Tena (Frank); son, Michael (Lee); daughters-in-law, Teressa and Darla; 8 Grandchildren: Katrina (Matt); Vincent Kevin (Jacqueline); Mia, Kala (Luke), Rice, Angelo, Carson Lee, and Madison; 4 Great Grandchildren: Vince II, Jennaleigh, Franklin, and Baby Noah; sisters: Cherry, Jane and Shirley. Bernice was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Crestview, Florida for over 50 years.

Bernice moved to Baker in 1964 with the love of her life, Gerald Anthony Martello.  She immediately began to build life-long friendships, touch the lives of so many families and make an immediate impact on the Baker community.  Her endearing love and spirit of hospitality made her the self-declared “Momma B” to everyone she knew.  She would always make you feel like you were her best friend and she had waited all day just to spend time with you…Momma B never met a stranger. 

As a wife, mother, and grandmother, words cannot define the unconditional love and support she gave her family.  No matter where it was, softball tournaments, football games, basketball games, family dinners, and an occasional poker game or two, Momma B was there to support her family.  No matter how loud the crowd, you could always hear Momma B hollering “you’re missing a good ball game ref” or “the ball don’t lie.”  Momma B also loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart; she called them her “precious angels.”  She loved sharing stories about her grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits.   

Momma B would always take the initiative to tell you a quick story or joke.  Well actually, for those that knew Momma B, there was no such thing as a “quick” story…she was not one to leave out any details.  Momma B would also never let anyone who visited her home go hungry and never missed an opportunity to add another place setting at the dinner table.  Whether it was homemade chicken pot pie or her spaghetti with meatballs, dinner at Momma B’s house was always a delicious feast.  So no one ever left Momma B’s house without a full belly and a good story in their pocket.  

Most importantly, Momma B loved the Lord.  She was proud to call herself a Catholic and let everyone know that the key to salvation is through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Momma B will be missed by so many, but leaves behind a legacy of family, love, friendship, hope, and faith.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst-Powell on Monday, March 2nd from 6-8pm. A Rosary service will be held before Visitation at 5:30p.m. A Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 3 at 4:00 p.m., with Praise Music beginning at 3:30 p.m. please come early and enjoy the sounds.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the OLV Catholic Care Center (850-682-4622) or Southeastern Guide Dogs (941-729-5665) may be made in memory of Momma B.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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