Martha Oakley Liggett

Martha Estelle Oakley was born September 20, 1933 at her maternal grandparent's home in Huron, Tennessee, the only daughter And youngest of three children born to Flaudie Douglas Oakley and Thompsie Ray Oakley.

She is survived by daughters Patricia McCord Doles, Carlita Liggett Davis, Freida Liggett Goodman and a son George Calvin Liggett (Janessa). Grandchildren include Penny Doles Labatzky, Jennifer McCord Shields, Jeanette McCord Kennedy and Robert Jason McCord. Great Grandchildren are Zachary Doles (Chelsea), Avery Sullivan, David Shields, Thaddaeus Hollingsworth, Dillon Miller, Alecia Miller, Jacob McCord and Tyler McCord. Martha is also a Great Great Grandmother to Ryleigh, Braelyn, And Jameson Doles, Asher Sullivan, Wren Warren and Sebastion Hollingsworth.

Martha grew up in Jackson, Tennessee, attended Whitehall Elementary School and Jackson High School. She later attended McKellar Sipes vocational school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Martha was inspired to become a nurse when her fairly young mother began to suffer serious illness. Her father had also experienced poor health and had passed away before Martha's 15th birthday. She worked at Jackson Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN, Community Hospital in San Antonio, TX and eventually began accepting private duty nursing clients in the Jackson and Memphis, TN areas. Martha also took her beloved Maternal Grandmother into her home and cared for her for a time before her grandmother passed away.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Thompsie Ray Douglas Oakley; niece, Virginia Ann Oakley; brother, Ashby Varnell Oakley; and niece Brenda Louise Oakley. Martha's eldest son Robert Samuel McCord also preceded her on death.

In early life, Martha enjoyed spending time in Huron, TN helping her maternal grandparents, Lou Winnie and Isaac Cain Douglas, manage chores during her summer breaks or holidays or upon any given opportunity. She once disappointed her grandfather upon losing control of the mules while driving a wagon, but Martha loved to stay out in the country on the farm.

Martha spent parts of her youth with paternal grandparents, Doshia Barr Oakley, Henry Clay "Bud" Oakley and her father Tom's sisters at the family-owned hotel in Humboldt, TN. She played with her young Oakley cousins, partaking in various pranks and sometimes helping with chores at the hotel.

As a teenager, Martha went on many adventures with her dearly loved best friend, Alene Luttrell. They drove a motorcycle all over town and out of town. They went on double dates together and one night both couples agreed to cross state lines to marry and only afterwards surprise their parents with the news.

Martha married Elvis Roy McCord in January 1950. They resided in Jackson, TN and also spent time In Chicago, Peoria and Joliet, Illinois. Two children were born during their marriage. In June of 1956, she married Harry Carter Liggett and gave birth to three more children.

Martha raised her five children in the Jackson and Malesus, Tennessee area. She became a member of Malesus Baptist Church and was active in various ladies group activities. She also enjoyed attending Pentecostal church services.

Martha invested much of her time after retirement studying personal computing. She devoted an extraordinary amount of time researching and documenting family history and genealogy. She had learned to play the piano her father had gifted her in her younger days and still recalled many chords. Even very late in life, she loved to tinker with the keys singing favorite hymns, playing on the piano in collaboration with Rory, a familiar friend with whom she shared much storytelling, joking and witty banter.

Caregiver Danita Dowell became a genuinely beloved and trusted friend as a natural rapport developed between the two women.

Cousin Ella Barr Franklin became a treasured friend from the moment she and Martha first met some years ago and held a special place in our mother's heart. First Cousin Jane Oakley McCarver grew up in close proximity and stayed in touch with her throughout life.

There are too many friends, nephews, nieces and cousins to acknowledge each one by name but Martha sincerely appreciated all those who thought of her with prayers, cards, letters, calls and visits.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Ms. Liggett will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Lexington City Cemetery, 249 Natchez Trace Dr, Lexington, Tennessee 38351.