Martha Thompson

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of Martha Thompson, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and woman of unwavering faith whose presence brought warmth, wisdom, laughter, and strength to all who knew her.

Born on April 12, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio, Martha was raised in the historic Poindexter Village community, a place that helped shape her resilience, pride, and deep sense of family. She attended Pilgrim Elementary School and later East High School, where her vibrant spirit and athletic talent shined brightly. In her younger years, Martha excelled in track and field and proudly earned the title of hula hoop champion at the young age of eight, a story she carried with joy throughout her life.

Martha was a strong, God-fearing woman who gracefully carried the weight and honor of raising three children as a single mother. Through every season of life, she led with courage, faith, humor, and determination. Her children were her greatest pride and the center of her world.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother: Annabelle Shelton; her sisters: Clover Mae Porter and Esther Porter; and her brothers: Philip Shelton and Charles Shelton.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her loving Children: Sheila Alexander (Mike), Antonio Shelton, and Jevon Collins (Rae); her devoted Niece: Phyllis Brown; her Nephew: Sylvester Norman (Bridgid); her cherished Grandchildren: Davon, Dashawna, Shay, Antonio, Wesley, and Jordan; six Great Grandchildren; and four Great-Great Grandchildren whose lives will forever carry her love forward. Martha was loved by Lifelong Friends: Helena Collins, Deborah Collins, Sandy Callington, along with countless relatives, neighbors, church members, and friends who became family over the years.

A hardworking and dedicated woman, Martha spent the majority of her career serving the State of Ohio. She also worked with Highlights For Children Magazine, Anheuser Busch, and later found joy and purpose in her final position at the Gladden Food Pantry as an AARP employee, where her caring spirit continued to touch lives.

Martha found happiness in life's simple treasures: spending time with family, decorating her home in warm earth tones, tending to her many plants, cooking meals filled with love, solving word search puzzles, and watching her favorite YouTube videos, especially DMV Senior dancers, city driving tours, and delicious food videos. She appreciated good music, classic movies, meaningful collections, and moments that made people smile.

A member of St. Paul AME Church, Martha leaned on her faith through every chapter of life and often reminded those around her of the values she lived by. She was known for her unforgettable sayings: "Watch your background", "Please call me and let me know you made it home safe" "Look over your hand," "God don't like _," and her beloved "Okey Dokey," phrases that will continue to echo lovingly in the hearts of her family.

Martha's life was one of perseverance, grace, humor, and unconditional love. She was the heartbeat of her family, deeply devoted to her mother, siblings, children, and generations beyond. Her wisdom, laughter, strength, and nurturing spirit created a legacy that time can never be erased.

Though her earthly journey has ended, her love continues to bloom like the many plants she cared for so tenderly. Her memory lives in every shared meal, every family gathering, every song that brings back a smile, and every lesson she quietly taught through the way she lived.

Her life was a blessing. Her memory, a treasure. Her love, everlasting.