Martharee W. Mays

Martharee was born on August 6, 1944 to Harold and Margaret Fisher in Hickman, AR. Her parents eventually relocated their family to Evansville, IN after a brief stint in Minneapolis, MN and Blytheville, AR.

She attended Chestnut Walnut Elementary School, Lincoln High School (until it was closed), and transitioned to Central High School, where she graduated 9th in her class. She then attended Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, where she graduated in 1967 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Teacher Education. In 1972, she received her Masters of Science degree in Education Administration. She later received her School Administration and Supervision certification in 1990. Her love of education is exemplified through her work history.

Martharee began her education career breaking down color barriers, as she was the first African-American Language Arts Teacher hired at Glenwood School in Evansville. In the summer of 1969, she expanded her Language Arts career on the faculty of Culver Military Academy, Culver, Indiana. In 1975 - 1981, she held positions teaching reading at the EVSC Reading Center, Harper School and Culver School. In 1981 she continued her education career at Stringtown Elementary School, Evansville, as a Kindergarten Teacher and Language Arts Teacher. In 1985, she achieved another milestone, becoming the first African-American Assistant Principal at Helfrich Park Middle School; and after only one year, she was tapped to become the first African-American Principal at Stringtown Elementary School, where she remained until her retirement in 1998.

Because she enjoyed interior design and appreciated beautiful decor, Martharee got her Indiana Real Estate License in 2005.

Throughout her career, Martharee was active serving many organizations with a focus on education. She was a member of the International Reading Association, Vanderburgh Elementary and Middle School Principal’s Association, and the Evansville Area Reading Council - serving as treasurer. She served on the Boards of Directors for Library Friends, the Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union and Girl Scouts of America.

Martharee served a term as Vice-President and also as President of Pi Lambda Theta. Later in life, she served on the University of Southern Indiana’s Volunteer Committee as Treasurer. Martharee was also a 46-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

At an early age, Martharee accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Throughout her life, she professed her love for Jesus. It was evident in her generous, kind spirit and her work through the church. She was a faithful member of Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, Evansville, and enjoyed Bible study. Martharee worked along-side her husband, Robert, on several Pastor’s Anniversary Committees and was a long-time, devoted member of Nazarene’s Outreach Ministry.

Martharee was introduced to the love of her life, Dr. Robert (Bob) Mays, by her brothers. She and Bob later married and settled in Evansville. She was a devoted wife and mother, and she adored their son, Korbin.

Martharee loved to travel. She enjoyed many trips with Bob, Korbin and family throughout the United States, Europe and Africa. In Africa, she would ride elephants and brought home many beautiful pieces of art and hand-carved sculptures from the villages. One of her favorite past-times was to go to zoos to see the wild animals.

Martharee was truly blessed, but more importantly, she was a blessing and positive role model to others. She will be sorely missed and will remain cherished in our hearts forever.

Martharee is survived by her loving husband of nearly 50 years, Dr. Robert E. Mays; son, Korbin Mays (Regina), granddaughter, Mia Hales; oldest brother, Andrew Stephen Fisher (Brenda), Plymouth, MN; children, Faith Patterson (John, Sr); Marvin Keith Fisher (Dena), Sydney; Antony Stephen Fisher (Rashad, son); Harold Awuli Fisher (Mindy), Kiara and Malachi; Jacquelyn Nicole Renckens (Richard), Brooklyn; brother, Harold Lee Fisher, Jr. (Patricia), Evansville, IN; children, Monica Lavern Roach (Anthony), Antonia, Makayla and Christian; Tony Van Leer (Charmin), Logan; Angela Turner (Branden), Briana and Brandice; Joshua (Kathryna), Alyssa, Josh, Jr and Karelyn. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, 867 East Walnut Street, Evansville - Rev. Larry A. Rascoe, Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at 12 p.m. at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.