Martha Ann (Holcombe) Mott Turbeville's Obituary
Martha Ann (Holcombe) Turbeville, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in Jackson, Tennessee. Born in Memphis on July 10, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Raymond and Mildred Tyer Holcombe.
She was a 1950 graduate of Memphis Central High School; she graduated from Rhodes College (then known as Southwestern of Memphis) in 1954, after attending Randolph-Macon of Lynchburg for her first two years. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and continued to be active as an alum for many years after her college graduation.
Martha was a longtime active member of Speedway Terrace Baptist Church of Memphis, where she taught children’s Sunday school. In later years, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Millington and First Baptist Church of Jackson.
Martha, always a friendly face, loved getting to know people; she became a cheerful influence and support in the lives of everyone she encountered. Many appreciated her quick wit. She was an avid reader and loved crocheting and playing the piano.
As an elementary school secretary at Evangelical Christian School North for 24 years, she was well-loved by staff, students, and parents alike. Even after retirement, she kept in touch with, and often spoke of, many of “her” children and their families.
She served as pianist at Speedway Terrace Baptist Church from 1969 until it disbanded in 2006. She also taught piano privately to many students throughout the 70s.
She is the widow of Harmon Palmer Rowe, Paul Stephen Mott Sr., and Webster V. Turbeville. She leaves behind two children, Lisa Lawson (husband Dave) of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Steve Mott (wife Tracey) of Jackson, Tennessee; ten grandchildren, Edward Lawson, Michael Lawson, Laura Kistler, Ashley Thomas, Daniel Lawson, Paul Mott, Lydia Seifarth, Hannah Platt, Samuel Mott, and David Mott; nineteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Another great-grandchild is expected in July.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12:30 to 2:00 on Saturday, February 1 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis. A memorial service will follow immediately with Pastor Eugene Brandt officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial contributions be made in her name to Evangelical Christian School of Memphis or to St. Jude Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed on her page. https://www.memorialparkfuneralandcemetery.com/obituaries/martha-turbeville/#!/TributeWall
What’s your fondest memory of Martha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Martha?
Share a story where Martha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Martha you’ll never forget.
How did Martha make you smile?

