Martha Virginia West Futch
November 12, 1926 – March 12, 2022
Martha Virginia West Futch passed away in Cairo, Georgia on March 12, 2022. She was born on November 12, 1926, at home in Jacksonville, Florida to Theophilus (Offie) and Simeon Kempton West. Martha was a Mayflower descendent. Her family has been in Georgia since 1812 (Kempton) and the West family since 1842. She attended area schools: Lackawanna Public School, John Gorrie Middle School, and Robert E. Lee High School. In 1948, Martha graduated with honors, with degrees in Education and History from Florida State University, formerly named Florida State College for Women.
Shortly thereafter, the ‘Lovely Martha’ married her handsome fiancé, Alfred Earl Futch, Sr. Earl swears they have been going together since birth! Martha and Earl are parents to five children.
Martha was a wonderful wife and mother, a devoted grandmother and great grandmother. She was a lifelong teacher sharing her love of scripture and Bible study with groups in churches for more than 50 years. Martha and Earl were the last couple to be married in the chapel of Murray Hill Baptist Church and served as charter members there. They were part of the original launch team for Highlands Baptist Church. Martha was an educator who taught in local elementary schools.
Martha had a heart for sharing the Gospel and longed to see people know Christ as Savior and Lord. She faithfully gave of her time, talents, and resources to see the Gospel go in to all the world. Often foreign missionaries were guests in the Futch home where Martha was an excellent hostess taking care of their every need. She was a faithful supporter of Annie Armstrong and Lottie Moon mission offerings.
Martha pursued excellence in everything she put her hand to. She could sew. She played the piano. Martha was a keen birdwatcher. She was a superb homemaker and even at the age of 95, she kept a spotless home! She was wonderful storyteller. She was an avid tennis, basketball, and football fan. Martha was patriotic and loved her country. She appreciated the principles, freedoms and opportunities offered to all in the United States of America. Martha volunteered and supported Cuba 4 Christ, Salvation Army, Samaritans Purse, PTA, American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, Easter Seals, American Heart Association and filled various roles in her local church.
Martha enjoyed the annual Thanksgiving Celebrations with family at the farm, where she organized and prepared the traditional feast. She delighted in gathering the grands and great grands around the nightly bonfires where family stories were shared. Marshmallows were roasted for s’mores, while family sing-a-longs were interspersed with her crackling wit and jokes. There was always much laughter and joy when Martha, George and Fleeta were together. Family was important to Martha.
Many summer days were spent with family at Lake Grandin. She loved the water and was a good swimmer and fisherwoman.
Martha supported local gospel outreach by directing Vacation Bible School each summer at her home and in church. Always teaching, neighborhood kids would come over after school for cookies, Kool-Aid, and lessons.
Martha showed her tremendous fortitude as the family dealt with cancer that took the life of their special needs son, Paul. As accomplished as Martha was, her greatest heritage is her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her legacy will continue through them.
Martha will be remembered by family and friends for her sacrificial love, and her deep devotion to family. She was a great downhome Southern cook. She was known for her blueberry muffins topped with delicious sauce. With every holiday, special treats were baked and delivered to family and friends.
Martha was forever steadfast and reliable. She loved well. She sacrificed much. She encouraged others. Her best qualities live on in those who have known her and been loved by her. Martha was truly a lady who exemplified the attributes of godliness outlined in Proverbs 31.
Predeceased by her parents Theophilus and Simeon West, of Jacksonville, Florida and Cairo Georgia, her son, Paul West Futch, her brother, George David West, and her son-in-law, Robert Keener. She is survived by Earl, ‘her ever loving husband,’ of more than 73 years, her sister, Fleeta West Peacock, her children, Virginia Futch Hansen (Steve and son, Steven), Earl Futch, Jr., Mary Futch Daunhauer (Chris), and David Andrew Futch (Liz and children, Stephanie, Savannah, [her husband, Brian, and children, Thomas and Lylah,] Hannah (Jacob#2), and Jacob #1.)
Martha’s life verse is Matthew 28:19-20-‘Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Funeral services for Martha are at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the First Baptist Church, Cairo, GA. Rev. Chris Allen will officiate. The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church on Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Interment will be in Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL, on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. The cemetery is located at 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Cuba 4 Christ, Inc. at www.cuba4christ.org
Cuba 4 Christ, Inc., 9863 Old Plank Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32220
