Martha Kelley Stripling

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 pm on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Jasper's First Baptist Church, with funeral services to begin at 4 p.m. Reverend Andy Frazier will share the obituary and offer a prayer. Reverend Lamar Cox and Bishop Harold D. Kelley will share from the Bible. Loving words will be shared by her grandson, Carson Wright Roberts. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Jasper, with Reverend David Byrd leading the graveside service.

Martha was born Sept. 5, 1932. She married William Douglas Stripling on Sept. 5, 1953, and together they raised three children. She cared deeply for her family, especially exhibiting her loving spirit while caring for her husband during an extended time before his death at the same time last year. She was a steadfast example of strength and bravery during her own fight with cancer 15 years ago, beating it twice.

She loved the Lord and served as pianist in several different churches. She has been a member of Jasper's First Baptist Church for many years. Martha was a loving and devoted wife, Mother, Grandmother, Gran-Gran and loyal friend to so many. What her family remembers most include her spiritual discernment and countless hours praying for her family. Martha enjoyed singing, playing piano, cooking, gardening, canning, sewing and growing flowers.

Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, William Douglas Stripling; her parents, Jasper (Jack) Perry Kelley and Annie Bell Hudson Kelley; as well as her siblings Earnest Kelley, Edward Kelley, Imogene Kelley Carroll, Mogene Kelley Stamps, and Jackie Kelley.

She is survived by her three children, Terry D. Stripling (Sheila), Eddie Lee Stripling (Becky) and Freida Stripling Roberts (Skip); five grandchildren, Sherry Stripling Williams (Michael), Chrissy Stripling, Whitney Roberts Childers (Joseph), Kelley Roberts Duncan (Taylor), and Carson Wright Roberts; six great-grandchildren, Noah Douglas Williams, Macy Katherine Williams, Faith Elaine Childers, Bennett Wright Duncan, Hope McBryde Childers, and Everett William Duncan; brothers, James Perry Kelley and Harold D. Kelley; sister, Gladys Kelley Maddox; and sister-in-law, Bobbie Kelley.

Skip Roberts, Carson Wright Roberts, Michael Williams, Noah Williams, Joseph Childers, and Taylor Duncan will serve as pallbearers.

Kilgore-Green Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.

The family would like to thank Dr. Claude Osula, Walker Baptist Medical Center, and Princeton Baptist Medical Center for their attentive care.