Martha Gordon Danford, age 71, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday February 19, 2020. Martha was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, raised in Johnson City and graduated from Science Hill High School. Marty moved to Knoxville in 1974. She retired from Knox County Schools after 35 years of service.
Marty loved her KAEC, Bearden High, West Hills and payroll department colleagues like family. She couldn't sit still for a minute and didn't stay retired for long. She loved her 2nd career "working" at St. Mark Early Enrichment Program. On her off days, she could be found fly-fishing, hiking, golfing with her golf group, walking lakeshore and spending time with her sweet neighbors.
Marty is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Evangeline Danford; and uncle and aunt, Jack and Pauline Breeding.
She is survived by her children, Beth (Andy) Sexton of Knoxville, Leigh (Chris) Branham of Fishersville, Virginia, and son, Hank Shumate of Greenville, Virginia; brother, Robert (Elaine) Danford of Chattanooga; her beloved cousin, Cheryl (Tommy) Rice of Kingsport; and her best friend, Punky McCallie.
Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Davis, Ellie, Jackson and Andie Sexton and Bo, Tom, and twins Wade and Gracie Branham will miss their "Marge" deeply. She is also survived by her nephews, Gordon (Konoko) Danford of Japan and Ben (Amy) Danford of Chattanooga.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at First Baptist Church Knoxville, 510 West Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Marty's name to St. Mark Early Enrichment Program, 7001 Northshore Woods Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919; or Safe Families For Children Knoxville, 318 Erin #10 Knoxville TN 37919.
Marge will be missed here on earth every day, but we know she is in a trout stream in Heaven with Granddaddy, waiting on the next big catch.
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