Martha's Obituary

Martha Elizabeth Land, 95, passed away on August 13, 2025, in Germantown, Tennessee. She was born on May 18, 1930, in Hughes, Arkansas, to Abner and Sallie Mae Morris and was the only daughter in a family of seven children. She graduated in 1952 from Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus, Mississippi and enjoyed a fulfilling 30-year career as an elementary school teacher. Martha was an avid reader and a devoted player of Words with Friends-those who played with her can attest to her habit of initiating the maximum number games at any one time! In recent years, she discovered a love for Mexican Train dominoes, where her competitive spirit became legendary among her Wednesday game group. Martha was also a fabulous cook who could prepare anything. She could whip up the most delicious pimento cheese sandwich or an elegant Lobster Pasta dinner and yet Martha's culinary legacy will always be her cornbread dressing! That was a beloved family tradition that graced every holiday meal. Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Earl Land; her parents; her brothers and their wives: Richard (Virgie), Clayton (Shirley), Charles (Dorothy), JC (Sarah), Wilton (Billye), and Joe (Gail); and her son-in-law, Steve Gabel. She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Ray (Terry) and Laura Johnson (Chris); grandchildren Jennifer Dow (Lawrence), Kristin Hope (Spence), Stephen Johnson, and Sarah Johnson; and great-grandchildren Vaughan Dow, Gentry Dow, Austin Hope, and Thomas Hope. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory. Martha will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. A service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior, at Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park East, 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis, TN 38133. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha's memory to: Madonna Learning Center 7007 Poplar Avenue Germantown, TN 38138 Colonial Baptist Church 1503 Colonial Road Memphis, TN 38117 To send a flower arrangement in memory of Martha Elizabeth Land, please click here to visit our sympathy store.