Martha Jo Williams

Amory – Martha Jo Williams, 83, gained her wings on Monday, October 10, 2022. Martha was born on July 5, 1939, in Smithville, MS to the late Bryan Lowell Williams and Lara Irene Ausbon Williams. She was raised by her paternal grandparents William Bryan Williams and May (Ross) Williams

Martha grew up in Monroe County and graduated Valedictorian from Smithville High School, class of 1957. She went on to further her education at Freed Hardeman University in Henderson, TN where she majored in Secretarial Science. Martha was employed by the Department of Human Services for over nine years. She also worked as a substitute teacher at Hatley Schools on and off for several years. Of all the places she worked, her most important job was the career she had a homemaker. She was a great mom, loving wife, and a terrific grandmother.

She knew and loved the Lord and studied His word. Martha, along with her husband, Troy, were members of the Amory Church of Christ. They taught their children and grandchildren the importance of honoring and loving God. During her lifetime, she was blessed with many close friends and extended family in the church. Those that knew her are confident in her salvation and thankful for her sweet influence in their lives. Her family meant the world to her and her grandchildren were her delight. She would do anything for them.

A giving and kind woman, in her free time, she liked to cook wonderful meals for others and sew gifts to give to others. She made ornate intricate felt Bucilla Christmas stockings, which will be cherished for generations. Always easy going, she enjoyed listening to great music like Kenny G, Jimmy Buffett, blues music and of course gospel. Sometimes a little sassy, Martha would cut her eyes at you in fun. She loved to travel to different places, go fishing, play scrabble, and read a good book. Some of her closest friends were Jimmy and Janice Vaughn and Ira and Jimmie Frances Kennedy. She had a green thumb and could grow beautiful flowers and delicious garden vegetables.

Thankful for the wonderful memories, guidance and love through the years, her family and friends have comfort knowing that she is at peace. They will always cherish times with her and never forget her.

She is survived by her sons, Jeff Sanderson, Memphis, TN, Jay Sanderson (Anita), Tupelo, MS, Jon Sanderson (Cindy), Austin, TX, and Mark Williams (Rhonda), Columbus, MS; daughters, Marlana Samples (Danny “Bud”), Smithville, and Mona Young (Rodney), Smithville; grandchildren, Kristi Tipton (Jason), Audrey Alexander (Will), Bryan Sanderson, Peyton Sanderson, Darby Unruh (Ryan), Kelsi Wright (Alix), Maci Williams, Jessica Gregory, Fisher Young, Candi McGreger, Elyse Smith (Ben), and Kathryn Henry (James); 12 great–grandchildren; brother, Sam Williams, Corsicana, TX.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Williams; twin sons at birth; brother, Larry Williams; and sister, Betty Williams.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at 11:00 am E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, with Mr. Leslie Grant and Mr. Phillip Hathcock officiating. Burial will follow in Amory Historic Society Cemetery, Amory, MS with pallbearers being Bryan Sanderson, Peyton Sanderson, Bud Samples, Rodney Young, Fisher Young, and Jason Tipton.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday evening, October 11, 2022 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home in Amory.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the Amory Church of Christ, PO Box 371 Amory, MS 38821 or the Amory Humane Society.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at eepicklefuneralhome.com