Martha Johnson

Martha Ann was the second of four daughters. She was born on January 27, 1945, to James Lee and Lula B Harvey of McGregor, Texas. She attended and was baptized at the early age of nine into the body of Christ at New Zion Baptist Church.

She graduated with honors from George Washington Carver High in 1962. She matriculated to Paul Quinn College in Waco, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in 1966. She later received a Master’s Degree in reading from Virginia Tech.

Martha was a dedicated and active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, for over 25 years. She was a member of Engleside Baptist Church in Alexandria for the last 5 years she lived there. And of course, she spent the remainder of her years as a return member of New Zion. She served faithfully as a member of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Discipleship, and Mission I. Martha was always a financial supporter of the church she was attending.

Martha was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. She leaves behind to cherish her memory one sister, Jo Ann Barfield (Ronald) of Knoxville, Tennessee. She is also survived by two loving nieces, six nephews, and their children and spouses, many cousins, classmates, fellow educators, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her dear mother, father, older sister, Jimmie Lee Harvey Eastland, and younger sister, Ada Edith Whatley, preceded her in death.

Martha retired after 30 years of teaching in July 2004. She was instrumental in making a difference in the lives of many children. Although she never had children of her own, she was indeed a mother to many.

In her leisure time, she loved to bowl, work crossword puzzles, read, talk, travel, and cook. Her sweet potato casserole has graced many tables. Her spicy dip, a meal, was often requested by her family, colleagues, and church members, along with her potato salad and spaghetti salad. Her favorite movie was “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

She dearly loved Texas and thought there was no other place as good on this earth. She was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and was very vociferous when they beat the Washington Redskins! Martha had a bright, cheerful smile and an infectious laugh, which was very prevalent at those times!

While the above things listed cause you to remember her fondly, and maybe even smile, if you knew her at all, you knew she truly loved the Lord. She would want all who are reading this to know that if you want to see her again, come on up to Bright Glory! She’ll be waiting up there!

Homegoing Services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in McGregor. Viewing will start at 10 am, with the service following at 11 am. She will be laid to rest at McGregor Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Zion Missionary Baptist Church’s “Miss Martha’s Summer Book Club.”