Martha is survived by the love of her life, Thomas E. “Tom” Dorris whom she married January 17, 1946; daughters & sons-in-law, Martha Frances Dorris & Larry Bennen of Delaware, Ohio, Carmen Yolanda “Landa” Dorris & Thomas Patrick Astley of Circleville, Ohio and Tomi Lynn Dorris of Circleville, Ohio; granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Dorris-Astley; brothers, Joe Williams of Charleston, Mississippi, John Williams of Arkansas and Jim Williams of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Martha is also preceded in death by a brother, Sonny Williams; and a sister, Elizabeth Mugrage.
In 1955 Martha and Tom left the South to move to Greenville, Ohio with their two daughters, Francy age 9 and Landa, 1. Tomi came along two years later. It was a major change to go so far, leaving her family and support behind her. She rose to the challenge with a sense of adventure, vitality, and sense of humor. She never forgot where she came from and she made sure that her daughters knew their Southern roots. It was a heritage that made an impact on all of them.
As a young woman in rural Mississippi, she had wanted to become a nurse. She did not have that opportunity, but she carried the desire to help others with her always. She made a point of giving a hand wherever she could and she enriched many lives with her Southern Fried Chicken, award winning pies, and other down home favorites. Martha was a warm and loving person that even casual acquaintances would characterize as “the sweet one.”
Despite the damages that time inflicted on her body, she never wanted to stop helping and participating. She fretted because she could not cook as she once did and she had to be reminded often to let others help her reach high shelves or carry dishes to the table. The one thing that never left her was her loving nature. She once said she knew her time was limited. She said,”While I am still here, with what time I have, I just want to love you all the very best I can.” You did, Mom. You did.
Martha was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Greenville. She was known for her spirit, vitality, sense of humor and love for her family.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 10, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church 202 West Fourth Street Greenville with Pastor Joe Payne officiating. Entombment will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Kingwood Memorial Park in Lewis Center, Ohio. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 9, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville and Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
