Martha Thompson was born February 7, 1937 in Hazard, Kentucky. The daughter of Amos and Amanda (Cash) Thompson. Martha was called to heaven, March 21, 2021.
Preceded in death by parents, Amos and Amanda Thompson; brothers; Steve, June, Henry, Donald and Robert, sisters; Mary, Isabelle, Clercy, Charity, Niami, Sally, Juanita and Nora, son; Danny Smith.
Martha’s passion and caring nature was exhibited throughout her life. She left a budding career as a professional dancer, choosing family over career. She truly believed in “whatsoever your hands find to do then do it will all your heart.” Martha served on the Mother board at her church Universal Deliverance Ministries, sang in the adult choir and the A.L. Butler Singers also on the hospitality Committee, each holiday season mother Thompson made sure every child either had an Easter basket and each Christmas every child had gifts. Mother Thompson believed everyone deserved to know they are loved. Martha was a member of the American Legion also a member of the Women’s Bowling League in 1972. Martha went back to school and received her GED at age of 75 and then graduated from Christian Practice Center with Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies and later earned her Doctorate.
With only a 5th grade education Martha first worked for the Knoxville school system as a cook during the summer she worked at Helen’s dinner, Hurricane restaurant and Dew Drop In as a cook. Then with a career change she went to work for T. B. Hospital in the laundry room; when University Hospital and T. B. Hospital merged she moved to medical warehouse stocking hospital supplies. After a while she advanced to Labor and Delivery before retiring, Martha was working as Anesthesia Tec before retiring from UT Hospital. Martha loved gardening and she took great pride in her flowers. She had a great love for her family child and grandchildren.
Martha leaves to cherish her memories, daughters, Amanda Sewell, Shilia Rogers (caregiver) Cynthia Butler and Lacquicia Blair; sons, Avery Smith, Wesley Smith and Frank Roper; brother, Fred Thompson; sister-in-law, Tootsie Thompson; daughters-in-law, Patty Smith and Sharon Smith;19 grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Leaving to cherish her memory is a host of family members, niece and nephews as well as friends.
Favorite scripture St. John 14:2- In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Open visitation 12-8 p.m., Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Jarnigan’s Chapel; graveside service, 3 p.m., Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Berry Highland South Cemetery, Pastor Cynthia Butler, Officiating.
Celebration of life and burial service can be viewed at, jarniganandson.com. Honored to assist, JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY, 2823 Martin Luther Jr. Ave., Knoxville Tn. 37914.