Marcena F. Smith, 94, of Muncie, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Albany Health Care.

Marcena was born to the late Glen and Edith Grubbs on August 21, 1928, in Portland, Indiana and lived on their family farm until moving to Muncie. She was a graduate of Gov. IP Gray High School. She married Jesse Wheat and raised their family after war times. After his death she married Bill Smith. Marcena was a 37 year member of True Light Baptist Church. Her home was filled with good times and laughter with family and friends. She never met a stranger. She was a devoted servant of the Lord, helping all those around her including family, friends, and strangers alike. She was so loved and will be missed by all.

Marcena is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Bill Smith; four children, Glen E. Wheat (wife Linda) of Kokomo, David W. Wheat of Muncie, Connie J. Elwood of Highland, MI and Crystal River, FL, and Cathie J. Watkins of Muncie; three step-children, Ron Smith (wife Cindy) of Eaton, Sheila Eller (husband Sam) of Hastings, FL, and Teresia Green of Hastings, FL; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis, Billie, and Choon Cha Grubbs; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Marcena was preceded in death by Beloved husband Jesse W. Wheat of Muncie and Bonham, TX; Parents-in-law, James E. and Gladys Wheat of Bonham, TX; nine siblings, Gaylord Grubbs (wife Virginia), Melvin Grubbs, Gordon Grubbs, Max Grubbs, Maxine Webb (husband Jim), Melvaline Andrews (husband Joe), Eloise French (husband Bert), Anita Stephens (husband George), and Ronald Grubbs: sister-in-law, Nannie Mae Bethel (husband C.L. "Pete"); two sons-in-law, Ronald D. Watkins and John D. Elwood; and one granddaughter.

A funeral service to celebrate Marcena's life will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, August 4, 2023, at Gant Funeral Homes – Yorktown Chapel, 2215 S. Broadway St. in Yorktown. Pastor Dennis Trimble will officiate. Burial will follow in Old Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Moreland, IN.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Friday at Gant Funeral Homes – Yorktown Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Share a memory of Marcena and leave your condolences for her family at www.gantfuneralhomes.com

The Gant and Miller families are honored to celebrate Marcena's life with her family and community.