My Story and Legacy

Let me take you back to the beginning. I, Martha Helen, was born on February 6, 1939, to the late Kate Watts Turner and R.L. Turner in Greene County, Georgia. I was the first girl in the family, joining my three older brothers: J.B., Fred, and James O. Turner. Being the first daughter brought its own sense of pride and responsibility, and I always felt that it shaped and prepared me for the path God laid out before me.

Education

Though my schooling was cut short, every day on the farm taught me lessons about hard work, resilience, and family. Yet, I never lost that desire to learn. Years later, as a full-time wife, mother, and worker, I returned to school to complete my high school education. Attending night classes at Greene County High School, I proudly received my diploma in June 1978.

Spiritual Life

I joined Springfield Baptist Church at a young age, where I began my own journey of faith, learning to study God’s word and walk in His light. Later in life, I moved my membership to Randolph Baptist Church, where I found joy in serving others and sharing my testimony. I believed that serving others was a way of showing God’s love.

Employment

I started working young—very young. At six years old, I was already helping on the farm, learning the meaning of hard work. My siblings and I would toil in the fields, contributing to the family’s needs. When I grew older, I worked as a domestic helper, earning a fair wage that helped support my mother and siblings. In my adult years, I took on more formal work, spending ten plus at Central Soya Poultry Plant and another thirty-five years at Chipman Union Mill. Even after I retired, I couldn’t sit idle. I held various odd jobs, always finding ways to keep busy.

Family Life

On September 16, 1960, I married Willie David Thomas, and we built a life together, raising five children: Beverlyn, Roberta, Ernestine, Michelle, and Lamonte. While I may not have had much to give financially, love was one thing that was never in short supply. In 2020, at the age of eighty-one, I moved to Lithonia, GA, to be closer to my children. I wasn’t thrilled at first, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I got to spend precious time with my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

My Legacy

My story continues through my children: Beverly Thomas Williams, Roberta Thomas, Earnestine Hall, Michelle Thomas, and Lamonte Thomas. I am also survived by my beloved grandchildren—Rodney Strong, Quentin Strong, Bianca Hines, Johnathon Hines, Jeffree Stovall, JaNessecia Hall, Lanier Williams, and Johntavia Hines—as well as seven great-grandchildren. My dear brother Johnny B. Carter (Katherine), my sister Annie Kate Carter. In-laws Ruby (John) Cunningham, Dorothy Thomas, Sally Hughes, Alfred Thomas, Annie (Jonathon) Tucker, Lizzie Lue Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends remain to carry on our family’s legacy. My granddaughter Kailynne Derricot and siblings J.B. Turner, Fred Turner, James O. Turner, Lula Mae Jackson, Willie Harris Carter, and Walter Carter, Jr., have gone on before me, and I look forward to reuniting with them. So, when you hear about my homegoing, don’t worry about me. I was only passing through.

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, I was called to my heavenly home, surrounded by the love of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Service: Saturday November 2, 2024 and 2:00 p.m. from Randolph Baptist Church, Union Point, Georgia with Pastor Frances Harper, Eulogist.