It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Martha Bachman Thomas, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, on May 3, 2026. Martha left this world peacefully at her home surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 79.

Martha was born July 14, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, the youngest of three siblings. Her early life was marked by her innate curiosity and an unyielding spirit. A proud graduate of Immaculate Conception Catholic School, class of 1963, she carried her faith and values into every aspect of her life. After finishing high school, she worked alongside her parents in their upholstery business, where she honed her skills and developed a keen eye for detail.

She would eventually continue her career with her work at Northwest air-link working alongside the maintenance teams there with her work on the plane’s interiors. She was well known during her time there for her dedication to her craft and the skill she brought to her work. She continued her work there for many years until her retirement.

In 1964, Martha began a new chapter in her life when she met and later married Jerry Thomas. They were married for 53 years until Jerry’s passing in 2017. Their union produced 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Over the years, they shared many adventures together and with their children that included camping and boating, both of which were shared passions passed down to their children.

Martha's life was a testament to the profound love she had for her family. She adored her children, Robert and his wife Kim, Ann and her husband Jimmy, and Jerry and his wife Ericka. Her heart was further filled with joy by her eight grandchildren—Chris, Robyn, Raven, Charlie, Derrick, Reagan, Ella, and Rhett—whose lives she enriched with her wisdom and warmth. Her legacy will live on through her five great-grandchildren, who will grow up hearing tales of her gentle spirit, fierce independence, and enduring love.

A lover of nature, Martha found solace in her garden, where she cultivated not only flowers and vegetables, but also developed a passion for her animals such as her goats, cats, and her beloved dog, Red, who was her faithful companion in life's journey.

Martha will be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to her family, her infectious laughter, and her remarkable ability to find beauty in the simplest of things. Her nurturing spirit, kindness, and grace touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents Francis and Clara, her husband Jerry, and her siblings Minnie and Johnnie. As we bid farewell to Martha, we celebrate a life well-lived and find comfort in knowing that her spirit will forever be a guiding light in the lives of those she loved. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire her entire family for generations to come.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Martha's life and cherish the beautiful memories she leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, in Martha's name, to continue her legacy of giving and love. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace, reunited with those who have gone before her, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.