Martha Seal Bendall, age 74, of Russellville, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at her residence.
Mrs. Martha came to know our Lord in August 1959, at the age of 9 on a Wednesday night just when revival had ended at Siloam Missionary Baptist Church. She gave her heart and soul to our Lord Jesus outside the church building kneeling at the old chimney on the eastern side of the old church building. Mrs. Martha’s greatest wish was to have a Christian family on earth, so it would also be in heaven.
Mrs. Martha loved working in public jobs so she could meet people. She truly loved everybody and would greet them with her genuine smile. When asked why and how she could smile so much, she would say “A smile doesn’t hurt, doesn’t cost anything, and it’s freely given because Jesus lived in her heart and love bubbled out with a smile.” She must surely have the biggest smile today in Heaven’s home.
She would want her family to remember not to cry for her when she’s gone. “It will be such a relief to lay this aching and hurting body aside.” Her prayer would be for you to know Jesus personally.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Johnnie Ray Bendall; parents, Bob & Mary (Badgett) Seal; sister, Barbara Clement; brother, Bobby Seal; in-laws, Johnnie & Louise Bendall; brother-in-law, Glenn Hodge and beloved and best four-legged friend, “Bo-J” Bendall.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Carrie Annette Heath (Patrick), Johnnie Shane Bendall; daughter of the heart, Debbie Malone (Larry); grandchildren, Kaci Timmons (Lee), Paige Daniels; great-grandchildren, Karlie Kalmbach, Delaney Timmons; sister, Faye Kelton (Paul); in-laws, Kenneth Clement, Pansy Seal, Terry Bendall (Brenda), Ann Hodge; host of nieces & nephews; and 2nd furbaby, Sissy.
The visitation will be 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The service will be at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Andy Gasgue officiating the service.. The burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens. The pallbearers will be Larry Malone, Patrick Daniels, Lee Timmons, Terry Bendall, Jr., Andrew Bendall, and Adam Bendall.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To leave private condolences, please visit our website at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.
