of Opp, AL
June 27, 1953 - May 26, 2024
Martha Lynn McKelvy, age 70, of Opp, Alabama passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Opp, Alabama. She was born on Saturday, June 27, 1953 in Helena, Arkansas to the late Clinton and Evelyn (Sain) McKelvy. West Helena, Arkansas was Martha's home from her birth to high school graduation, until she moved to Memphis, Tennessee to attend the Methodist School of Nursing, the same nursing school attended by her mother. After she graduated, she began fulltime employment with Methodist where she worked for the next forty-five years. Forty of those years were in the Emergency Department at Methodist Central in Germantown, Tennessee where she was noted as a ''legend.''
Martha loved to read and had over one thousand books. This came as an inspiration from an elementary school teacher that told her through reading she could travel anywhere she wanted. She also loved to read and study her Bible. Martha was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.
Martha is survived by her brother, Michael McKelvy of West Helena, Arkansas; best friend of forty-five years, Brenda Sturges; ''adopted'' family, Frank and Linda (Sturgess) Johnson; nephew, Frankie (Mary) Johnson of Tampa, Florida; niece, Robyn Johnson of Lee's Summit, Missouri; ''adopted'' great niece, Reagan Johnson Nieves; ''adopted'' great nephews, Grant and Pierce Johnson.
A graveside service for Martha Lynn McKelvy will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Macedonia Cemetery in Holly Grove, Arkansas. Brother Charles Gunn will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Services will be directed by the staff of Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena
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18 Condolence(s)
Sandra Holland
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
To Phyllis Yvonne Hammonds: Thank you so much for your remembrance. It is of the highest praise not just for Martha but for the Savior. I was in the first 7th gr class to attend E Miller, with forced bussing. And utterly confused over the resistance and drama.
When next in Phillips Co I will seek to find you, to sit and talk. I will be honored to meet you.
Vincent Pittman
Monday, June 10, 2024
Mike I am sorry to hear about Martha. We did attend school at the same time but she was a sophomore when I was a senior although we passed each other in the hallways at Central High. I didn't get to know her as well as I know you but if she was anything like you then she was a special lady!
I feel as though I know what you are going through since I lost my sister Mary a few short years ago. You'll get through this and the pain will lessen over time but we never truly get over losing a loved one. I wish you the best! Your old buddy Vince
Julie Grobmyer Goin
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Martha and our friend, Cindy, were a trio from 1st grade thru the first couple of years of college, then we went separate ways. We stayed in touch with cards and a few phone calls. I last saw Martha 41 years ago. Wow! Time does fly. I cherish many fond memories of days gone by, and look forward to eternity in Heaven!!
My sympathies are with you, Mike, and with you, her best friend, Brenda!
In Christian love,
Julie
Frank Johnson
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Martha, you are and always will be my special friend and part of our family. Your pain and suffering has ended. God has called you home. You will be missed by your many friends. There will always be a special place in my heart for you.
Linda Johnson
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Looking back and giving thanks, my treasured memories will last forever. You were our adopted sister and loved so very much.
We shared much through the years - crying, laughing, sorrow, being thankful.
You provided encouragement to so many - reminding them they were not alone, giving hugs, lifting up. You always seemed to know just what was needed.
You have only slipped into another room.
Whatever we were to each other still remains. Yes, you are out of sight but never out of mind.
You are home, pain free, rejoicing with the Lord - ALL IS WELL.
Cecilia Bouchillon
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Martha was one of the kindest, most selfless people I’ve ever known. I have books she gave me with her sweet words of encouragement written in each one. I will cherish each one even more now. I feel sadness at knowing she is no longer with us, but great joy knowing that she is free of pain and whole in her reward.
Floy Estes
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Mike,
So sorry for your loss of a special sister.
I remember Martha being a friend to all in school.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sylvia & Brad Campbell
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Martha was very kind and made us feel as though she had known us our whole lives. May her sweet soul never be forgotten and to God be the Glory for her devoted work on this side of heaven.
Sandra Hickingbottom Holland
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Our family moved to W Helena in ‘66. In the summer of ‘67 Martha was my half day sitter going into 4th gr. I remember board and card games with her thru those days. She was always there for our church youth activities, until graduation. Years later, in Memphis, a request from Butch Dulaney brought Martha, Connie Sosebee and myself together at the Memphis Zoo to film a Congratulations for Jennye. What laughs we had trying to film that short. We will have laughs to come.
Mary & Larry Guidi
Friday, May 31, 2024
We will always hold a special spot for Martha. I had the pleasure of working with Martha for many years!!! Larry will always remember Martha- private joke. So glad you are resting now pain free!! We will always love you.
Mary and Larry
Phyllis Yvonne Hammonds
Friday, May 31, 2024
Thank you Martha for welcoming those of us who came from Eliza Miller in the fall of 1970. You were so kind and friendly. I shall never forget your "bubbly" smile. Even today I think of you when I pass your former home. So, welcome home and enjoy your rest with the Heavenly father! Thanks, for the memories!
Mary Good (Hornor) Forsythe
Friday, May 31, 2024
Martha was special and loved by all my family! We have so many fond memories of growing up together. She will always have a place in our hearts.
Brenda Sturges
Friday, May 31, 2024
Martha, over time together the last 45 years, our relation changed from friends to sisters. I miss you so very much my sister, however I am so glad you are pain free and can walk. Hopefully your mother was waiting with her arms open wide. Love you my friend, my sister. If I am invited into heaven, please try to wait at the door for me.
Terri Seeman Hollowell
Friday, May 31, 2024
Mike it is hard to say goodbye or believe she is gone but she fought a long time. Her struggles are over and I know we will be together again. May you feel Gods loving arms around you as you deal with days ahead. She was one of a kind and I am so grateful to have called her my friend.
Miki Michelle Christine Griffin Darling
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Martha was as her Methodist Medical peers called her- a “ legend”! Prayers for comfort and peace to the family.
Pat Holland
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Martha will be missed. She was a friend to so many. My thoughts and prayers to Michael and her extended family.
Karen Byrd Lavender
Thursday, May 30, 2024
She was such a sweet person. She had the most beautiful handwriting of any one I have ever met. We were in many classes together in school. She will be missed by so many. Prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Timothy Smith
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Martha was a very special lady . Friends of our family for years . Mike may the Lord be with you for you .