The funeral service was conducted Monday at 2 p.m. in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. Entombment was in Pinewood Memorial Park.

Martha was born in Taft, TN. She and Ray lived in Greenville, NC, for over 40 years before moving to The Cedars of Chapel Hill in 2006. Ray (Dr. Raymond L. Jones), died in July 2006.

Martha studied at Milligan College to be a doctor, but after she and Ray (who planned to become a lawyer) met there and married in 1950, they both became teachers, by profession and by example. Martha loved and served her Lord and Savior and saw Him in all of nature, most of which she could identify by genus, species and habit.

Martha held a Master of Science degree, and was a biology lecturer and internationally published research biologist at East Carolina University. She was a fearsome bridge player, a tireless baker and seamstress, a Sunday school teacher, a devoted daughter and sister, but most of all, she was a wife and mother. And the slowest eater anybody ever met.

Martha is survived by four daughters: Elizabeth Jordan, Rebecca Weiss, Nancy Jones, and Rachel Pittman; and four adoring sons-in-law: Hal Jordan, George Weiss, Dean Pittman and Kelly Craven. Martha’s grandchildren are David, Beau, Alace and Joel Weiss; and Carly and Jennifer Pittman. Her devoted side-kick, one-eyed Pekingese, Willie “The Mayor” Jones, as well as her dedicated, cheerful and loving companion, Annie Schoonover, all the Members of The Cedars of Chapel Hill, and Martha’s faithful friends at First Christian Church of Greenville, NC, always will miss her sweet smile, kind words and gentle touch.

In lieu of flowers, Martha would ask that you hug your children, that you make their education your highest priority, that you honor your spouse and loved ones, that you summon patience and make amends, that you open your heart to those who are hurting and struggling, that you enjoy the environment and plant a blueberry bush, and that you take care of yourself. And drink some water.

The family invites you to consider a donation to your local Hospice, or to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, www.foodbankcenc.org.

Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com