Martha loved Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. This love was evident in her kindness, her graciousness, and in how she loved her family and friends. Growing up in LaGrange, GA, she was an active member of First Baptist Church on the Square. While there, she learned American Sign Language and was skilled in interpreting worship services for the deaf.
Martha earned her BA in Secretarial Science and MA in Higher Education Administration at Auburn University. After completing her degrees, she worked in the Office of Student Financial Aid for 35 years where she enjoyed helping students and their families navigate ways to afford higher education.
While working at Auburn, Martha lived in Opelika, AL, and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Opelika. She participated in many activities there but especially loved singing in the choir. She was also a talented pianist. She enjoyed attending Auburn football games and held season tickets for many years attending games with her children and friends.
Although she spread her love throughout her community, her greatest loves were being a sister, mother, and grandmother. Having learned kindness and generosity from her own parents, Rachel O’Neal Thornton and Olin Eugene Thornton (both deceased), she was best friends with her sister Margie Thornton Daniel and a dear friend to her brother-in-law A.E. “Danny” Daniel. Carol Freeman was a special aunt to her.
Martha dedicated her life to her children, Zach Hall (Anna Hall) and Lauren Hall Davenport (Malcolm Davenport). On every occasion she told them how thankful she was to be with them and supported them through every milestone. As a grandmother, she rocked her five granddaughters, Emma, Freya, and Julia Hall, and Allie and Claire Davenport for hours as not to wake them. She also sat on the floor with them working on puzzles, playing games, and always following their lead. Every person Martha met described her as sweet and the world is a much sweeter place because she was in it.
After her retirement from Auburn University, Martha worked in the financial office of her church. Martha was a master in creating her own designs in stained glass and mosaics. She loved to give her friends and family beautiful gifts that she had made. She maintained an outlook of gratitude throughout her life that will continue to inspire those who knew her.
The Celebration of Life graveside service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Shadowlawn Cemetery, LaGrange, GA with Dr. Paul Baxter and Rev. Paul Blair officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Martha Jean Thornton Hall to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240, and can be reached at (706) 884-8636.
DONATIONS
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5