Ms. Martha Evelyn Hornsby Head, age 86, of the Union Chapel community of Arab, Alabama, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 26, 2026, at Diversicare of Arab.
Martha was born on May 17, 1939, in Marshall County, Alabama, to Simon Artis Hornsby and Grace May Bell Hill Hornsby. She was married to Bobby Clayton Head, who preceded her in death. Martha’s professional life was with Redstone Arsenal as an item manager.
Martha was known for her kind heart, servant’s attitude, and her love for helping others. She enjoyed staying busy and was always finding ways to care for those around her. She especially loved helping children at school, volunteering at the hospital, sending care packages overseas, traveling, and creating handmade items such as crochet, crafts, and ceramics. In her younger years, she also sold Avon forming many lasting friendships
Martha cherished her family and the time she spent with them. Family members she leaves behind to cherish her memory include her son, Nathan Alan Ashburn; daughter, Pam West; grandchildren, Stanley West (Teresa) and Dustin West; great-grandchildren, Andon West, Koby West, and Brooke West; brother, Ralph Hornsby; and sisters, Sara Martin (Doug Martin) and Katheryn Farris.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Grace Hornsby; her husband, Bobby Clayton Head; brothers, Alfred Hornsby and Waymon Hornsby; and sister, Wilma Moorer.
Services for Martha will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Family and friends will gather for visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Pastor David Norton will be officiating. Pallbearers honoring Martha and escorting her to her final resting place at Arab Memorial Cemetery will be Andon West, Koby West, Stanley West, Benny Hornsby, Clint Gilbertson, and Seon Farris.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Martha.
