Martha McElyea Heard, 88, of Madison, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026. Mrs. Heard was involved in the Satellite Chapter of Professional Secretaries International where she served in several areas throughout many years, including two terms as President. She was named Secretary of the Year by the organization in 1987. Most recently, she was a member of and involved in the Madison Newcomers and Neighbors organization where she was a past president. She enjoyed meeting new people and participating in the Newcomers activities. She was a member of the Madison Church of Christ and was involved with the ‘Care Bear’ ministry.
Survivors include her husband, William ‘Bill’ Heard; daughters, Cindi Sanderson (James) and Linda Brazelton (Gary), both of Madison; stepson, Kenny Heard of Gadsden; sister, Judy Cathcart (Ricky) of Decatur; grandchildren, Adam Sanderson (Julie), Mollie Carter (Landon), and Ashlie Brazelton; great-grandsons, Luke and Logan Sanderson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mable Grasse and her sister, Doris Smith.
Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madison Church of Christ; St. Jude Children’s Hospital; or your favorite charity or organization.
