Martha Ann McInnis was born July 28, 1937, in Montgomery. Alabama and passed away on September 1, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama. She is survived by her sister, Ellen Williams (Richard), her nephew, Miles Clayborn Williams (Tara); and great nephews, Miles and Walker Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, Miles and Rose McInnis; her sister, Rosemary McInnis; and her nephew, Malcolm “Mac” McInnis Williams.
Martha Ann was kind and thoughtful and a well-loved sister, family member and friend. She was a generous person who loved sharing stories and adventures with people she met. Before she did business with somebody, she wanted to learn more about them and their family. She will be remembered for her compassion and loving heart and the joy she brought to her family and friends.
Martha Ann was a graduate of Sidney Lanier High School. She earned her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Clothing, Textiles and Fashion Design from the School of Home Economics at University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Martha Ann’s career path included a broad spectrum of accomplishments: Fashion Designer for Avondale Mills, Sylacauga, Alabama Assistant Professor: Judson College Marion, Alabama; University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL; Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. Fashion Design Ambassador for McCall Magazine, traveling throughout the United States representing McCalls Magazine, New York City, New York; Alabama Farm Bureau Women’s Coordinator—Worked with elected officials to develop Alabama’s Rural Garbage Disposal Program; Publisher of EnviroSouth Magazine; Developed Bartram Trail Manuscript detailing Bartram’s Southeastern Travels thru Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina; Formed and operated Southeast Recycling Conference; Served as Executive Director of the Alabama Environmental Quality Association (AEQA) and Chief of the Science, Technology, and Energy Division for Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). “A Movement of the People: The Roots of Environmental Education and Advocacy in Alabama” was published in 2017 and includes details of Martha’s environmental activism in Alabama; Served as member of Southeast Region Federal Reserve Board
She received the prestigious national honor of Lady Bird Johnson Beautification Award from “Keep America Beautiful” in 1974 recognizing her decades of work with Alabama Environment Quality Association (AEQA); and recognized as one of the “Top 31 Women” at the University of Alabama’s Centennial of Women in 1993, celebrating graduates who achieved excellence on state and nation levels. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, AL and served on First United Methodist Church Board.
Her interests included gardening and collecting antique items. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining, combining favorite recipes to make delicious dishes. She preferred using organic ingredients in her recipes and shopped from organic vendors throughout the country. For many years while living in Montgomery, Martha maintained an active Tai’Chi routine and kept close contact with Tai’Chi instructors at Duke University. She enjoyed travelling, especially to Scotland on the McInnis Clan Tours. She took special interest in creating and maintaining a lovely garden. She loved taking care of her pets Princess, Midnight and Caesar.
A visitation will be held at Laughlin September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date in Montgomery at the McInnis Family Plot, Greenwood Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to everyone for their prayers, care and compassion during this difficult time. Her family extends special appreciation to Lisa and all the devoted Caregivers who helped her during her illness.
