Martha Lena Puckett

Martha Lena Herring, daughter of the late Mary Louise (Kendrick) France and the late Wade Hamp Herring Sr., was born December 17, 1927, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. She was a woman of strong faith and accepted Christ at an early age. Her Christian journey began at New Asia Baptist Church in Kentucky and included membership in Indianapolis at three churches: Caldwell AME Zion Church, Mt. Paran Missionary Baptist Church, and Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. She was a faithful member of Mt. Nebo for over 20 years until her death. Martha was raised by her mother and attended grammar school and Attucks High School in Hopkinsville. While a student, Martha made excellent grades, and she kept report cards from kindergarten through 7th grade. Comments made by her teachers indicated that she was a smart student, who was inquisitive, and eager to learn. In 1947, Martha moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to live with her father. Shortly thereafter, she attended Bridges Business College where she studied bookkeeping, business math, shorthand, typing and machine operations. In 1948, Martha attended Butler University, where she was the only African American female in her class. Martha’s life changed drastically when she was pursued by the dapper, and very handsome, James Louis Puckett, who she married on December 18, 1948. James’ uncle, Creamus Thurston, dated Martha’s friend, Louella Senour, and Creamus introduced Martha to James. The couple shared many years of marital bliss until illness led to his death in 2012. Martha worked at RCA Records for a short time until she began working at the Finance and Accounting Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison in 1952. That was the job that would become the cornerstone of her career. Her first position was that of a clerk in the Military Pay Section where she was responsible for processing and administering military pay for the Department of the Army for the United States. She held various progressively responsible positions where she utilized her aptitude for figures while problem-solving pay situations that impacted enlisted personnel. She was quite passionate about her work and ended her career as a high-level supervisor, where she no longer processed and administered pay events in Military Pay, rather, she was involved with establishing policies and procedures in the Office of the Comptroller. Martha was a “boss,” literally, and was proud to tell anyone that she worked 32 and a “haff” years when she retired on April 3, 1985. Martha was devoted to her family and cherished the roles of sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and Godmother. Martha loved to dance and was always trying to learn new dance moves and would “drop it” at any event where music was playing. She was an enthusiastic speaker and never too bashful to grab the microphone whenever there was an opportunity. One could always count on her to speak what was on her mind, no matter what. In addition, she loved fashion and was known for her stylish outfits and fancy hats. Martha belonged to a social club for couples called the Duces, and she held a leadership role. She was the coordinator of many trips near and far, by land or sea. Her love for travel was passed on to her children. Martha departed her earthly life at 93 years of age during the morning of Tuesday, June 15, 2021, following 10 months of failing health. She was proceeded in death by her husband: James L. Puckett, parents: Mary Louise France, and Wade Hamp Herring Sr., brothers: James E. Herring, and Wade Hamp Herring Jr. Martha leaves to cherish her memory: Sister, Lydia Moore and family; Children, La Vaughn and La Mont (Martha) Puckett, La Donna and La Tanya Hudson, and James Louis, Jr.; Grandchildren, Tracie (Eric) Gibson, Alesha Puckett, Ronica White, Brianna Puckett, Bryan Hudson, William Lamar Dullen, Nathaniel and Nikiwe Puckett, Dorothy (John) Barrow; Great-Grandchildren, Raven and Brendon Gibson, Jaliyha and Marley Epps, John Mason, Jackson and Jameson Barrow, Jamarr and Janyla Dullen. Godchildren, Diana Burchett and son, Lloyd, and close loved ones, LaVorah Brady, and Michael Jones. A host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Last but certainly not least is Martha’s best friend, Sallie M. Fields, who is the Godmother of Martha’s children.