Martha W. Boyer

Martha (Louise) West Boyer, age 83, passed on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Born on February 17, 1942, in Choctaw County, Mississippi, her life was centered around her family and her deep Christian faith.

The second child of Charles and Louise Whitmire West, Martha grew up in Mississippi. She met her husband Milton “Jerry” Boyer while they were both high school teachers at Louisville High School in Louisville, Mississippi, and they were married for 44 years until Jerry’s passing in 2010. After marrying, they moved numerous times before settling first in Pearl, Mississippi, then they made their home in Alabama, where they spent over two decades. Together they raised four children.

She is survived by her children: Cindy (Bruce) Ballard, David (Kim) Boyer, Ken (Joanna) Boyer, and Cathy (Richard) Smith—instilling in them the Christian values that guided their own lives. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Carolyn Stricklin; her brother Bill (Charlotte) West; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

Martha’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She found joy in sharing her faith with others and listening to their stories with compassion and grace. She and Jerry were deeply involved in their church community and raised their children in their faith.

Martha loved reading and completing crossword puzzles, resulting in an extraordinary vocabulary. She also enjoyed bird watching and had a special fondness for the color blue. Her home was filled with cherished finds from thrift store adventures and the color blue, which adorned every corner of her home.

Martha and Jerry shared a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty. They especially loved traveling to the Smoky Mountains during the fall to witness the seasonal changes. After retirement, they resided in their dream home in Odenville where they spent countless hours on the back porch enjoying the mountain view.

Martha’s legacy is one of love rooted in faith. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all who were blessed by her presence. Her funeral service will be held January 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Kilgroe Funeral Home 1750 Ashville Road in Leeds, Alabama. Family visitation will be at 1:00 pm; visitation at 2:00 pm; a chapel service will be at 3:00 pm immediately followed by a graveside service.