Martha Jane Needham

Martha Jane Needham, age 89, of Athens, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, December 11, 2025, at Morning Pointe Assisted Living.

Born February 22, 1936, in Kenton, Tennessee, Martha was the sixth of eight children born to Archie Clay and Annie Mai Long. She attended the former Mason Hall school alongside her siblings.

As a young bride, Martha moved to Chicago, Illinois, with her new husband, Ben, in search of new opportunities. There, they built a happy life for more than 15 years and welcomed the start of their family: daughters Shirley Gayle and Monica Lynn, and sons Dennis Edward and Gregory Clay. Later, the family returned to Tennessee, settling in Memphis, where their youngest daughter, Lorie Anne, arrived as a joyful surprise.

In Memphis, the Needhams became devoted members of the East Memphis Church of Christ, where Martha faithfully supported Ben in his role as an elder. She was a loving, stay-at-home mother who raised her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

When Lorie started school, Martha pursued her own dreams, earning her GED and CNA certificate. She then began a fulfilling career at Baptist Memorial Hospital in the newborn nursery, where her gentle touch and compassionate heart shone brightly. She cared deeply for the babies entrusted to her—praying over the sick ones, comforting those who cried, and offering kindness and support to worried parents. She even developed a special swaddling technique known affectionately as “the Needham wrap,” which could calm a fussy infant in moments.

Even while working, Martha remained deeply involved in her children's lives. She was the mom who baked cookies for classroom parties, brought cupcakes for birthdays, and never missed a school event. She had a special way of noticing the children who might feel overlooked, often bringing treats for those whose families couldn't attend celebrations.

Martha was also an active member of East Memphis Church of Christ, hosting ladies' Bible studies, counseling young couples alongside Ben, teaching children's Bible classes, and embracing all the responsibilities of an elder's wife. In addition, she became the primary caregiver for her aging mother, welcoming her into their home full-time during her final years.

In 1995, Ben and Martha retired and moved to East Tennessee, where Martha fell in love with the mountains. Their new home gave her ample space to indulge her passion for gardening and growing flowers. Her vibrant beds were the envy of the neighborhood, and friends and neighbors often stopped to admire them or seek her expert advice as they watched her tend her plants.

Longtime faithful members of the Church of Christ, Ben and Martha first attended Slack Road Church of Christ before helping establish the Idlewilde congregation in Athens. In retirement, Martha continued her caregiving spirit by inviting her older sister, Beulah, to live with them after Beulah's husband passed away and her health began to decline. Ben and Martha provided her with shelter, comfort, and companionship until her final days.

As much as Martha cherished being a mother, her greatest joy came from being a grandmother. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, often hosting them for extended summer visits. She made each one feel uniquely loved and special—through crafts, reading books together, playing games, or simply cuddling and listening.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband of 74 years, Benson “Ben” Needham; six siblings; and her daughter, Monica Lynn Parker.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth Pierce; her children, Shirley Gayle Allen (Robert, deceased), Dennis Edward Needham (Maurica), Gregory Clay Needham (Joyce), and Lorie Anne Baker (Rich); son-in-law Steven Ross Parker (Phyllis); thirteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved brethren who will miss her dearly.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 4:30. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in McMinn Memory Gardens.

Those unable to attend services may leave condolences for the family at https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/martha-needham

Laycocl-Hobbs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.