Martha Jane Hale Cooper

Martha Jane Hale Cooper, 82, died Friday, December 20, 2024, at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo, Mississippi. The funeral will be Friday, December 27, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Etta, Mississippi with Rev. Bobby Irvin officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:00 A.M. Burial will be in Philadelphia Cemetery.

Martha Jane was born on September 13, 1942, in Lafayette County, Mississippi, to the late Olera Watts and Madison Doyle Hale. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, before pursuing her Master’s Degree. With a passion for education, Martha Jane paired her knowledge gained in college with her love of teaching, dedicating 32 years as a teacher for the Memphis City School District. After her retirement, she returned home to Oxford, Mississippi, where she was a beloved and devout member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Etta. Martha Jane donated her time frequently as a member of Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers and was a member of Philadelphia Club from 1997 to 2008. Martha Jane was known by all for her kind spirit, welcoming smile, and willingness to serve wherever needed. In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her sisters, Virginia Ledbetter Rose, Lillie Hale Haynes, and Sherie Hale McCullar; and brothers, Jan Ledbetter, Jack Ledbetter, John T. Turner III, and James Thomas “Jimmy” Hale

Martha Jane is survived by her brother, Billy Doyle Hale of Gamaliel, AR.

Martha was very charitable and the family request that in lieu of flowers, everyone make a memorial contribution to the charity closest to their heart.