Martha Jane Allen

Martha Jane (Ware) Allen, age 93, passed away on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A longtime resident of the area, Martha was a woman of deep faith and a devoted member of North Cleveland Baptist Church for many decades. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering trust in God touched countless lives over the years.

Martha loved the simple joys of life—especially being outdoors. She found peace and happiness in tending to her bird feeders, always watching and welcoming her feathered visitors. In her younger years, she was an excellent golfer and had a passion for travel, never meeting a stranger along the way. Her warmth and friendliness made her beloved by many, including the close friends she made at The Bridge Assisted Living Center, where she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Austin Allen; her parents, Archie L. Ware Sr. and Viola Ware; and her brother, Archie L. Ware Jr.

Martha is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Ratcliff and Cynthia Hayes; her grandchildren, Israel Essex (Liesl), Justin Kenney (Brook), and Stephanie Kenney; and her great-grandchildren, Sophie, Liam, Nora, and Knox Kenney, and Kaylee Brackett; several nieces and a nephew.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the Fike Chapel of Poole Funeral Home, with Dr. Jay McCluskey officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of service. There will be a private interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens, where Martha will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

Martha leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to North Cleveland Baptist Church, 2815 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37312 https://northclevelandbaptist.com.