Martha Sharp Tillery

Martha was born on December 12, 1926 in Knoxville, TN. Martha remembered her early years fondly, in spite of the family's challenges in Knoxville during the depression years.

Martha graduated Farragut H.S. in Knoxville in 1945 and was Treasurer of her senior class. She attended UT Knoxville for two years, majoring in Liberal Arts.

Following her marriage in 1950, she reveled in family life, particularly in her motherhood role. She spent her marital years in Benton and Concord, TN, then later settled in Madisonville, TN for over 40 years, returning to Knoxville in 2018.

Martha was a dedicated volunteer. In Benton, TN she was a pianist/organist and Sunday School Teacher at the Methodist Church, charter member of the Benton Garden Club, school volunteer, and leader for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and 4-H.

She was a longtime Presbyterian and an active church volunteer at both Concord and Madisonville Presbyterian Churches. Her faith gave her strength and guidance, particularly in challenging circumstances.

In addition to commitments to family and volunteerism, Martha challenged and reinvented herself over the years in a variety of workplace roles, including licensed real estate agent, substitute and assistant teacher in Polk and Monroe counties, and Madisonville Democrat Observer employee. To advance her career, she took computer classes at night, which led to her 20 year position as Deputy Clerk in the Monroe County Court Clerk Office.

Martha enjoyed swimming, playing bridge, sewing, playing the piano, cooking, collecting antiques and decorating her home. A proud Tennessean, Knoxville native and DAR member, she loved recalling extended family history and events. She was very fond of her siblings, who all remained in close contact with each other throughout their lives. She was proud of her children's accomplishments and savored visits with them. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who knew her as 'GrandMartha'.

Martha will be remembered by her gracious and social persona with a quick and easy sense of humor. She had many friends and met new people easily. One of her favorite pastimes during her 40 years in Madisonville was sitting either on her front porch or at the big table in the kitchen, chatting and reminiscing with those she enjoyed and loved. She periodically said at family gatherings "We do love to laugh."

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Boyd Alvin and Hessie Toole Sharp; her siblings, Alvin Boyd Sharp, Mary Nell Sharp McFee, and Rebecca Sharp Knott.

She is survived by her children, Melita Tillery Duffy (John), Tina Marie Tillery, Robert Lee Tillery, Jr., and Alvin Andrew Tillery (Angie); her grandchildren, Katie Duffy Sanford (Chris), Jack Duffy (Breanna), and Alison Tillery; step granddaughter, Bevin Duffy Gresham; and by great grandchildren Jaxson, Thomas, Lincoln, Grant, Hayden, and Audrey.

A memorial service will be held for Martha on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10am at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 11am.

Suggested donations may be made in her name to Madisonville Presbyterian Church (201 W. Main St, Madisonville, TN 37354) or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Tillery family.