Martha Raye Boyd Wilson, devoted Christian, wife, mother and grandmother, went to her heavenly home at the age of 85 on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
Born on Monday, October 30, 1939, in Jackson, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Thomas “Ray” and Martha Lou Boyd. Martha graduated from Northside High School, then furthered her education at Lambuth University, graduating with a degree in teaching. She was an active member of the sorority- Sigma Kappa and loved her “sisters!”
Martha had a passion for education, teaching in several Jackson-Madison County Schools. Whether she was helping students learn about English/Science or teaching people about the love of Jesus, she found immense joy in teaching others. She went on several mission trips throughout her lifetime to share the love of Jesus Christ. She is a member of Browns United Methodist Church and furthered her faith journey at Northside United Methodist Church.
Martha Raye married Ralph Jones Wilson, and they were blessed with three children, Laurie, Kim and Steve. The two were companions and shared many memories together.
She loved to help others, share the love of Christ, dance, support her grandchildren and great grandchildren and spend time with family. Her favorite activity was being at home and working in her yard.
Martha is survived by her daughter, Kim Wilson Gray (Tom) of Jackson, TN and her “blessing” daughter, Fran Erdle (David) of Palm Harbor, FL, grandchildren, Ronnie Hopkins (India), Bentley Gray, great grandchildren, Whitley, Brayden, Christian and Lillie Hopkins, and Macie Wyatt, brother-in-law, Staley Holder (Linda), sister-in-law Jane Wilson (Don), and many other special family members. She also leaves her precious lifelong friend, Wanna Martin.
She was preceded in death by, Ralph Wilson and Chuck Mallady, daughter Laurie “Wilson” Rowan (1996), and son, Steve Wilson (2015).
SERVICE: The funeral service for Martha Raye will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Arrington Funeral Directors with Lisa Clements and Rev. David Comperry officiating. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the service at 2:00 p.m.
Pallbearers to serve are Ronnie Hopkins, Bruce Lovett, Brad Maness, TL King, Nolan King and Carson Newman.
The family asks that memorial donations be directed to the Martha Raye Boyd Wilson Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of West Tennessee at 74 Directors Row, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at www.cfwtn.org. The vision of this fund is to secure land for future non-profit medical facilities. The desired land was part of Martha’s family for many generations. “We have visions from God, Go to God on our knees, We must build our faith, When we obey God he blesses us.”- Written by Martha in her Bible.
Martha will be remembered for her beautiful kind spirit. She touched the lives of many and will continue to do so as her spirit lives on.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Arrington Funeral Directors 148 W. University Parkway Jackson TN 38305
