Martha Dee (Johnston) Dobbins, age 94, passed away at Mitchell Hollingsworth Nursing and Rehab Center in Florence, Alabama on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.
Martha was born on October 1, 1928, the only daughter of Samuel David Johnston and Winnie Taylor Johnston of Corinth, Mississippi. She had four brothers who are all deceased, William, Ernest Ray, TJ., and Bobby Joe Johnston who thought the world of their little sister. Among her many memories she remembered the times when the family gathered around the fire to sing, and she danced on the toes of her brothers as they played the banjo, guitar, and fiddle. Martha attended school at Kossuth Elementary and Biggersville High School in Alcorn County, MS. She met her first love, Gordon M. Rorie, when he came to the high school to perform in a band. They married in 1946 and their marriage was blessed with 4 children, Frankie, Fredda, Milton, and Donna. In 1956, she married Jarrett Randolph “Chick” Dobbins and they moved to Iuka where they raised seven children and resided until their deaths.
Upon Martha’s retirement from the Iuka Shoe Factory, she pursued her Interest of history and genealogy tracing her family history and the family history of others. She was a member of the Tishomingo County Genealogical and Historical Society, a member and past Regent of the Tishomingo Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 126, and a life member of the Friends of the Iuka Library. One of Martha’s greatest passions was exercise and fitness. Many attribute Martha’s longevity to her philosophy that “regular exercise can help you live longer”. She led exercise classes at the Iuka Wellness Center for many years. She was a certified PACE instructor and was also certified in Tai-Chi for arthritis. Martha enjoyed oil painting and she loved her cats. Martha was a member of the Iuka Church of Christ.
Martha will forever be remembered by her children, Fredda McCune and husband Sam, MIiton Rorie and wife Mary Kate, and Donna Huey and husband Mike. She is also survived by her thirteen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. She Is preceded fn death by her husband, Jarrett Dobbins, her daughter, Frankie Beard, her parents, and her brothers.
She will be missed by her family, her friends, and all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be Friday, January 20, 2023, from 11:00 P.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 P.M. officiated by Brother David Lambert.
Pallbearers will be her Great Grandsons Alex Higgens, Evan Higgens, Mason McGill, Rorie Nelson, and Jarrett Sanderson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tishomingo County Foster Rescue. P.O. Box 444 Iuka, MS 38852
