She was born in Rowan County, North Carolina to Webb McGee and Beulah Sigmon McGee on March 14, 1920. At an early age she moved to Texas with her family and lived in the Corpus Christi area for the majority of her life.
She graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1937. After High School, she attended Corpus Christi Business College. After college, she went to work for W. R. Shepperd Wholesale Grocery; where she worked for three years. In October 1941 Martha Jane began a 40 plus year career at Southern Alkali Chemical Co. (later Columbia-Southern, then PPG Chemical Division) where she retired in 1982.
Martha Jane was active in Altrusa International (a woman's Service Club Organization), where she served on all levels of the Local Club, and in District Nine (State of Texas) where she was District Nine Governor in 1972 - 1974. On the International level, she chaired the Program Committee one term.
She was also active in Corpus Christi Metro Ministries in its formative years and volunteered at Loaves and Fishes until 2001.
She was an active member of South Bluff United Methodist Church for over 60 years. Later she moved her membership and activity to St. Luke's United Methodist Church. She often served as a Delegate to the Southwest Texas Annual Conference.
Martha Jane is survived by her sister Johnsie Elizabeth Kirkland, and her two nephews Dr. Michael L. Kirkland, his spouse Gregory L. Putman and Joseph Mark Kirkland, his wife Caroline Trescot Kirkland and their two sons Christopher Trescot Kirkland and Evan Webb Kirkland, his wife Megan Keller Kirkland along with several relatives in the Corpus Christi and Houston areas.
A Memorial Service is pending arrangements. Date, place and time will be posted when services are confirmed.
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