Martha Turner Matthews

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Martha Matthews, 100, retired secretary of Joseph Brown Elementary School and resident of Scott Hollow Road, died at home Sunday, July 28, 2024. She and her twin Mary, were born on March 15, 1924, to Harry Elliott Turner and Alleyne Estes Turner. The inseparable “Turner twins” graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1942 and lived their entire lives in Columbia. 

On September 10, 1946, Martha married J.D. Matthews; a month later Mary married Cam Anderson. Martha worked at the Rationing Board during World War II and became the first secretary at Joseph Brown Elementary School when it opened in 1969. 

Martha was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was active in church her entire life. As the family matriarch, she enjoyed a life devoted to family, friends, and faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband J.D., her twin Mary, a great grandson Estes C. Matthews, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and several nephews. “Marfu” is survived by a son Turner (Betty) Matthews of Decatur, AL, and a daughter Jade (Bruce) Kayser of South Bend, IN; beloved grandsons: Andy (Heather), Matthews, Scott (Meredith) Matthews, and Chris (Brooke) Matthews, all of Decatur AL; Matthew (Jodi) Kayser of South Bend, IN; and six great grandchildren: Lydia, Hannah, Miriam, Nathan, Maddie, and Emmie, all of Decatur, AL. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. 

A special thanks to Dr Cummins Couch, Dr. Scott Matthews, and faithful caregivers Kathy, Diane, Olivia, and Lauren.

Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia. Visitation with the family will be two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbia.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 801 S. High St., Columbia, TN 38401, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.