DR. MARTHA JOHNSON's Obituary
PERRY –
Dr. Martha Ruth Johnson, a dedicated educator, world traveler, and loving sister and aunt, passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 82, after a brief illness. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. in the Chapel at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be at 2:00 p.m. in Perry Memorial Gardens where she will be laid to rest with her parents. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Perry Methodist Church Music Department, P. O. Box 73, Perry, Georgia 31069.
Born in Byron, Georgia, and raised in Warner Robins, Martha’s life was one of service, adventure, and a passion for learning. She graduated from Perry High School in 1960 and went on to earn a degree in Home Economics from the Women’s College of Georgia in 1964. Her career began with the University of Georgia Extension Service in Rome and Athens, where she worked with communities to improve overall nutrition and health. Eager to further her education, Martha earned a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Florida State University and later completed a Doctorate in Adult Education at North Carolina State University.
Her professional journey took her to Montana, where she worked with the Cooperative Extension Service, before returning to North Carolina State University and then moving on to Auburn University, where she dedicated herself to Extension Services until her retirement in 2001.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Martha was a passionate traveler. Her adventurous spirit took her to many corners of the globe, from floating down the Amazon River to going on safari in Africa. She explored the Holy Land, Japan, Korea, Europe, and Australia, embracing new cultures and experiences along the way.
After retirement, Martha returned to her hometown of Perry, Georgia, where she continued to be a source of love and support for her family and community. She was an active member of Perry Methodist Church, the J.B. Smith Sunday School Class, the Sanctuary Choir, and the Joy Choir. She loved music and was a leader in both choirs.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Richard Johnson.
She is survived by her sister, Nelda Clay (Harold) of Perry; her niece, Cathy Mason (Walt) of Monroe; her great-nephews, Will Auslander and Drew Auslander, both of Athens; her nephew, Hal Clay (Anita) of Perry, and her great-nephew, Thorin Clay, also of Perry.
The family extends great thanks to Summerhill Assisted Living for their kindness and care of Martha while she was a resident there.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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