Martha Farmer

Martha was born February 14, 1927 to Ambrose and Martha Turnbo of Decaturville, TN. She was the twelfth of thirteen children, eight brothers and four sisters. Her mother died due to complication of the birth of the fourth sister, who also died, Martha was about a year and half old. Having a large family without a mother was very difficult. Dovie and Martin Pardue raised her from a very young age, and she loved them dearly. Now she is an only child.

Martha was very active in her church, serving on several committees of the years and as pianist for over 65 years. She played the piano for friends and family weddings and other occasions. She played piano for Jere Baxter and Hendersonville Eastern Star. She was an active member of Jere Baxter Order of the Eastern Star and was Worthy Matron in 1960.

She belonged to Flotilla 11-1 Coast Guard Auxiliary; worked for the State of Tennessee, Department of Employment Security – Claims for 30 years.

November 4, 1966 married William Nelson Benzenhafer, Sr. he was a veteran. He had three children by his first wife, Bonnie Hyde Benzenhafer who had died; Bonnie Patricia “Pat” Beech (Lawson), William Nelson “Bill” Benzenhafer, Jr. (Naty), Christopher “Chris” Benzenhafer, III. Martha was friends with Bonnie several years prior to her death. Martha was happy to acquire all the children and grandchildren into her life. She enjoyed the family outings and boating with Nelson as this became a vital part of her life. Nelson died in 1983.

September 18, 1989 she married another veteran, William “Bill” Thomas Sadler. Although Bill did not have any children, she was welcomed into the family and added two sisters, Lorella and Lola, and two brothers, Leroy (Mary) Sadler and Frank (Doris) Sadler to her growing family. Bill died in 1993.

As the world entered into another century, Martha continued to enjoy her life. Family and church was the center of her life. Many happy days. As with life, there were difficulties along the way, faith and family were there for her.

September 13, 2005 she married another veteran, Marion Odell Farmer. Once again extended her loving family acquiring two daughters, Wanda (Frank) Krisle, both of whom are now deceased, and Cassandra (Wendell) Conner. Odell died in 2015.

She always said the Lord had blessed her in so many ways. She had 95 blessed years and lived them giving God the glory, and being a kind and generous soul. From being a very small child in a large struggling family, raised by God fearing parents as an only child teaching her right from wrong, marrying three strong God loving veterans that brought five children into her life that loved her dearly, to an age some can only imagine. She was able to live an independent life – but definitely not alone. Along the way, made many friends, and her families continue to grow. She would always say she was so blessed to have so many families; Turnbo, Pardue, Benzenhafer, Sadler, and Farmer.

She was deeply loved, some called her mom, some called her granny, some called her friend, and some called her Martha. No matter what she was called, we all knew she would be there for us. We all love you, thanks for being part of our lives.

A gathering of family and friends for Martha will be held Monday, June 20, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Eastland Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 904 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37206, followed by a celebration of life service at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow the service in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EastlandFuneralHome.com for the Farmer family.