Martha Ola Richard

On October 23, 1939, Martha was born to the late Oliver and Leola Hatcher Jones in Marengo County Alabama. The fourth of seven children, Martha transitioned to her Eternal Home on March 8, 2025. She died as she lived: a soft, yet strong beautiful spirit who was always thinking of others!

A product of the Marengo County Training School and the local religious community in Thomaston, Alabama, Martha’s early years were nurtured by a Christian family, which led to her confession to Christ at an early age when she joined Mt. Hebron Primitive Baptist Church. Fondly known as Martha Ola, a cadre of influences including a mother and aunt led her to pursue a career in education whereby she ultimately touched hundreds of lives and several generations.

Martha graduated from Alabama State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and later earned her Masters degree in Education Administration from Tuskegee University. She worked and retired from the Macon County School District having served over 39 years at South Macon High School. During her employment, she served as an assistant principal and was recognized in many capacities including an outstanding typing and business educator.

On June 30, 1967, Martha was joined in holy matrimony to the late Robert “Babylove” Richard. They were blessed with one child from this union. Martha joined Greenwood Missionary Baptist church and immediately continued her service in the Tuskegee community. She was an active church member of the Matrons and the Ella Jane Collins Circle.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her daughter, Dr. Daphne Mathews; grandchildren, Robert-Michael Devin Mathews, and Mychaela Alexandria Mathews; siblings, Vasco (Ethel) Jones, Alma (Willie) Randolph; and sister-in-law, Mary Dyer, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who were blessed to know her.