Martha Parker

Martha Elizabeth Parker, born November 21, 1937, peacefully passed away December 26, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. She and her siblings spent their young years in Parkertown, a closely knit hamlet located in an area that was to become Ft Campbell. In 1942, the Parker family moved to Big Rock. Martha was the only daughter of William Herbert and Gustie Walker Parker. Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers William Lurton and Douglas Barnet Parker. In addition, she is preceded in death by nephews Lewis and Kevin Parker. Survivors include sister-in-law, Beverly Parker; niece, Elizabeth Parker Pugh (Michael); nephews, Ricky Parker (Denise),Michael Parker (Christy), William Parker (Tina), and John Parker (Margaret); cousins Jane Killebrew, Jan Killebrew (Walt Miller), Paul Killebrew (Maude), Joyce Holt, Ross Holt (Terry), and Vicki Rowlett.

 Being educated and educating were central to Martha's life. She graduated, as Valedictorian, from Stewart County High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Carson Newman College. Instead of attending seminary, her original intent, she enrolled in the University of Oklahoma where she earned a Master of Arts in English. Martha completed her course work for her PhD at the University of Oklahoma, but on a whim, a close friend convinced her to travel to France to teach, leaving an unfinished dissertation behind, which Martha admitted never regretting. She taught English at the army base in Verdun, France. Later she transferred to the Lakenheath, England Army Base, continuing to teach English. While living in England, she attended Cambridge University for a year and The University of Edinburgh for a summer. Martha lamented she was not in pursuit of a degree, but there for the joy of learning and imperative of history.

 Upon the return to the United States, she taught in the Atlanta GA School System, Vermont School System and lastly, at the Ashville School in Ashville N.C. When her mother became ill, Martha returned to Dover and remained there until shortly before her death. 

 In Dover, Martha became involved in an array of theater productions that occasionally found their way to Clarksville. She had a keen wit, a sometimes salty tongue, a fierce allegiance to her family and friends, a lover of her cats, and a kind spirit. 

 The memorial service will be held at Anglin Funeral Home in Dover on Saturday, January 3rd with visitation from 11:00 till 1:00 and service at 1:00 with Bro. Don Bailey to officiate and her nephew, William Parker to bring the eulogy.

Arrangments are entrusted to Anglin Funeral Home, Dover, TN and online condolences may be made at www.anglinfuneralhome.com.