Martha Patton Williams

Martha Patton Williams, age 99, died on May 19th in Russellville, Arkansas. Born on December 23, 1916, in Dyer, Arkansas, to Fred and Dora Carter Patton, Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Robert Hays Williams. She is survived by two daughters, Anne Rye (Alton) of Bedford, Texas, and Jane Williams (Roger Kalthoff) of Durham, North Carolina, three grandchildren, Hays Rye (Chave), Melissa Rye and Cason Coplin (Laurie) and four great grandchildren (Hayden Rye, Molly Cate Rye, Marlow Coplin, and Griffin Coplin). A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Martha worked for the Farm Security Administration from 1939 to 1941. When World War II ended, she moved with her husband to Russellville where he established his law practice. She lived most of her adult life in Russellville and in 1956 joined the faculty of Gardner Junior High. Subsequently, she was recruited to the faculty of Arkansas Tech University where she taught home economics and served as Dean of Women, retiring in 1973. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church and was active in many community endeavors. Her dedication to her students, her ability to create beautiful things and her commitment to a lifetime of learning endeared her to her many friends and acquaintances. Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28th, in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church. Rev. Gail Brooks and Rev. Randy Nix will officiate. In lieu of flowers and in honor of her lifetime of service, her family would be honored by those who wish to remember her with a memorial contribution to Manna House at First United Methodist Church, 304 South Commerce, Russellville, Ark. 72801, www.fumcrsvl.org or to the River Valley Christian Clinic, 1714 State Highway 22, Dardanelle, Ark. 72834, www.rvchrisitanclinic.org, the Robert Hays and Martha Williams Scholarship fund at Arkansas Tech, 215 West O Street, Russellville, Ark. 72801, http://www.atu.edu/givetotech, or Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, 220 John Babish Lane, Russellville, Ark. 72801, www.arkansashospice.org.