Martha Ann Galloway Ware

Martha Ann Galloway Ware of Homewood, AL, went peacefully to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, only a few weeks before celebrating her 96th birthday. As her longing for heaven increased and her earthly body declined, her prayer to pass away in her sleep under the care of her family was realized.

Born, raised, educated, and married in Birmingham, AL, she has deep roots in this city with relationships and connections spanning 9 decades. Martha Ann grew up in West End, graduating from West End High School, and continued her education, receiving her degree in math from Birmingham Southern College. She met Billy Ware at BSC and they married in December 1952 after her college graduation and settled in Birmingham after his release from service in the U.S. Air Force. Their family grew quickly having 3 children in 5 years. Then after spending 9 years in Mobile, AL where Martha Ann taught second grade at St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School, the family returned to Birmingham and settled in Homewood where they lived for over 60 years. She taught eighth grade Math and Algebra 1 at Louis Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills for many years investing in young minds at a crucial age. After retiring, she enjoyed tutoring students in math and algebra in her home finding great joy in seeing young people “catch on” and improve in their math skills.

In whatever Martha Ann did, she demonstrated her vivacious personality through her passion, confidence, leadership, excitement, and perseverance. At a young age, she enjoyed reciting poems for her mom’s social groups, and grew up performing in school plays by both acting and singing, often having a leadership role. She did not shy away from the spotlight or fear being the one in charge. With a variety of interests, from crafts to cooking, square dancing or bridge club, gardening or collecting, she participated wholeheartedly and often sought to lead or organize each of the groups and clubs. Martha Ann was President of her Pi Beta Phi sorority in college becoming a Diamond Society member through her support and association with Pi Phi for over 75 years. She was a leader in her United Methodist Women’s group at Trinity, and served as an officer in PEO & First Century Club. She was energetic and enthusiastic, and loved playing games and winning!

Martha Ann was preceded in death by her beloved Billy Ware, with whom she celebrated 65 years of marriage, and by her cherished family of origin, Helen & Charles Galloway, Dorothy Cooke, and Helen Mingea. She is survived by 3 children:

William (Kathy) Ware, Annette (Merritt) Burgin, Virginia (Doug) Walker; 10 grand-children Helen (Cory) Nabors, Mary Beth (James) Piedra, Lucy (Mike) Aitcheson, Chip (Ashley) Walker, Lynne (Pedro) Camargo, Margaret (Eric) Vinsant, Elizabeth (Matthew) Courtner, Katherine (Patrick) Farmer, Merritt (Erica) Burgin, Marshall (Raina) Burgin and 23 great-grandchildren.

A service of remembrance to honor Martha Ann and to celebrate her life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2pm. The family will receive visitors from 1-2pm at the church preceding the service. Burial will immediately follow at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be given in support of The American Village, Montevallo, AL which is located on the land of the former Mar-Bec Farm, owned by Billy Ware’s great uncle, T. M. Burgin, adding a special meaning for this unique, historical place in the hearts of the Ware family.

The family would also be blessed by those desiring to give a monetary gift to their church in memory of Martha Ann since she joyfully gave to her church in this way for many others she loved.

Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.