Martha Ann Adams

Martha Ann Adams was born January 25, 1945 in Crystal Springs, Mississippi to Rayford Pickett and Gertrude Hillard Pickett. She celebrated her transition on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Both parents, three brothers (Osby Miles Sr., Jessie Harold (Janie) Jefferson, and Rayford Pickett Jr. (Lillian)), and one sister (Mary Lynn Cook-Scott (Robert)) preceded her in death.

She accepted Christ at an early age in Crystal Springs, MS at New Zion United Methodist Church. After relocating to Gary, IN she became a member of St. Timothy Community Church under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Robert Lowery. Once Martha settled in Indianapolis, IN she became a faithful member of New Beginnings Fellowship Church under the pastorate of Pastor James A. Jackson Sr.

She received her education in the public schools of Crystal Springs, MS and graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in education from Jackson State University.

Martha married the love of her life, Willie Matt Adams. This great love produced two wonderful sons, Marcus Pickett Adams and Matthew Rayford Adams.

Martha had a passion for classroom teaching and worked as an educator for over 40 years. She held several positions as an educator in several schools in Crystal Springs Public Schools and Gary Public Schools.

After retiring in 2009, she continued her passion for teaching by volunteering in elementary schools, and playing an influential role in raising her grandchildren. She also loved sports – particularly college football -, home improvement, volunteering for her church and babysitting the younger grandbabies.

Left to celebrate her legacy includes two sons, Marcus (Thrica) of Winterville, NC; Matthew (Tanisha) of Indianapolis, IN; eight grandchildren, Willis of Pascagoula, MS; Marquia of Marietta, GA; Maranda and Jayla of Indianapolis, IN; Kennedy of Summit, MS; and Mariyah, Matteah, and Matthew Jr. of Indianapolis, IN. Like a daughter to Martha is Mary of Lawrenceville, GA and like a son is Jerry Collins of Magnolia, MS. She was blessed with two godsons, Russell and Jason Watkins, and a goddaughter, Jacqueline McKinney. She was truly loved by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Grandmother (I have pictures for this page that I will bring in)

Grandmother, anyone who knew you knows three things about you: you loved the Lord, you loved to talk, and you loved your grandchildren. You shaped every one of our lives and we will always remember your love for us, all our memories, and the lessons you taught us. Our lives would not be what they are without our Grandmother. We’ll miss you so much.

Love, Rod, Marquia, Maranda, Jayla, Kennedy, Mariyah, Matteah, and Matthew Jr.