Martha J. Neyman, 75, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Monday, June 22. She was born on April 29, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Walter M. Jones and Iva B. Jones. Her early years were spent in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where her dad worked in the insurance business. Martha lost her dad from a heart attack at age 3. After her mother moved to Memphis, she accepted Christ into her life. Possessing a strong moral compass, Martha lived a selfless life based on her faith, the needs of others, and a passion for the humane treatment of animals.

 Martha graduated from Memphis Overton High School in 1969. She attended Southwestern College at Memphis (now Rhodes College) and earned a full four-year academic scholarship. A member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, she excelled in her academic studies and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in January of 1973. Her talents and abilities resulted in successes in multiple fields, including banking, teaching, airlines sales with Delta Airlines, and author. An avid reader and excellent writer, Martha was both a columnist and city editor for the Columbus (MS) Commercial Dispatch.

 Martha loved her family, her students and her pets. She strongly viewed travel as an important component to a child’s full development. She coordinated and led students on trips to England, Scotland, and France, opening their minds forever to vast learning opportunities and lifelong memories. In her classroom, she brought learning to new levels through her skill, and demonstrated an intense love for every student outside of the classroom.  During her later years, she devoted her time and energy to loving her four grandchildren.

Martha is survived by her loving husband of forty-six years, Mike, two daughters, Lindsey L. Bragg (Jon) of Hernando, Julia A. Tindall (Nathan) of Ovilla, Texas, and four grandchildren, Hawkins and Penelope Bragg, and Camille and Thatcher Tindall. Surviving cousins are Deborah Hurst, Sandra Highers, Rodney Strickland, Tim Bruce, Donald Bruce, and Mary Lynn Young.

A celebration of Martha’s life will occur on Saturday, July 11, at Pate-Jones Funeral Home, Senatobia, Mississippi. Visitation will be at 10:00 am with service following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Tunica Humane Society.