Martha W. Church

Sunrise: November 4th, 1932 - Sunset: August 28th, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Martha W. Church, who departed from us on August 28th, 2024. She touched the lives of so many, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Martha W. Church was born on November 4th, 1932 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the beloved daughter of Irene (Coverson) Briscoe and Adam Williams and grew up in Evansville, Indiana. Martha attended San Francisco State University and later pursued a career in Education. It only took her 3 years to finish her BA and be credentialed as a teacher. Martha proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953, served 7 years and was honorably discharged. During her time of service, Martha fulfilled her dreams of traveling to places like Japan, Italy, France, and Holland.

Martha moved to Oakland, California to begin her career in education. Martha married Clarence A. Church II on May 11th, 1964. She went on to give birth to her beloved son, Clarence, III on February 23rd, 1967. She was employed as an elementary school teacher at multiple schools within the Oakland city school district. Martha’s passion for teaching children was widely known and respected. She went on to be employed by the Department of Defense School System and taught in Germany for over 20 years. During this time, she also earned two master’s degrees which she used as a Reading Specialist. Martha cherished her time serving in Germany and the life she and her son shared there. She enjoyed being present at every sport or musical event that Clarence, III, was a part of. Martha was fondly known as “Mom” to many of Clarence’s closest friends and still is today.

As Martha transitioned out of her working years, her greatest joy became her grandchildren Austin, Hannah, and Silas. Martha played a big role in Clarence’s family as well as his positions in ministry. Martha always supported her children and grandchildren through prayer, encouragement and her warm presence. Martha also enjoyed many beautiful friendships throughout her life that meant the world to her (you know who you are, and you know you are also family). Martha had students that have remained in touch and speak of the impact she made on their lives. There are people all over the world missing her.

As much as she loved people, Martha’s closest relationship was with her Lord and Savior. Martha walked closely with God all of her life. Above all, her faith has defined the way she lived and loved. We thank God for sharing her with us; now we know she is with him.

Martha brought joy and warmth to those around her with her kindness, humor, and generosity of spirit. Martha was a prayer warrior. If she said she would pray for you, she meant it! We know we are still covered by her prayers.

Martha W. Church is survived by her brother Donald E Young Sr. (Janice), her only son Clarence A. Church, III (Taryn), Grandchildren Austin J. Church (Ellie), Hannah N. Church, Silas A. Church, Niece Latosa Williams and other beloved family and friends. She was preceded in death by Edward Young (Brother), Charlie Ann Church “Babe” (Mother-in-Law), Bertha Mae Bowling (Aunt-in-Law), Elizabeth Williams (Sister), Judith Briscoe (Sister), Cynthia Briscoe (Sister), Rosalee Briscoe (Sister), Mary Ruth Woodson (Sister in law), and youngest beloved sister Teresa (Briscoe) Johnson.

A celebration of Martha W. Church’s life will be held at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast Funeral Home in Gahanna, Ohio. Friends and family are welcome to attend and pay their respects.

Schoedinger Margarum Northeast Funeral Home

1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230

September 5th, 2024

9:30am – Visitation

11:00am – Celebration of Life

Burial will follow at Mifflin Cemetery -155 Olde Ridenour Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230

For those unable to attend, a virtual service will be available via link (to be posted)

We invite you to leave a message of condolence or share a memory of Martha W. Church in the comments section below. These heartfelt messages will be cherished by the family and kept in remembrance of her life.

Though Martha W. Church may no longer be with us in body, she will forever remain in our hearts and memories. May she now rest in peace.