Martha Jo Lingefelt

Martha Jo Boston Carmichael Lingefelt, of Cherokee County, passed away peacefully in her sleep less than 3 months shy of her 107th birthday. She lived a long and fulfilling life devoted to faith, family, music, and community. Born and raised in Cherokee County, Martha Jo attended Reinhardt Elementary and Reinhardt High School before continuing her education at Reinhardt College. A gifted pianist, she performed in a women's recital during her college years, earning a scholarship to the Atlanta Conservatory of Music. Following her studies, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse and spent her summers playing piano for revivals throughout the county. Martha Jo married Trammell Carmichael, and together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and service. They lovingly brought into the world and raised two sons and two daughters. They also raised chickens and cattle, operated a small country store on Union Hill Road, and were faithful members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Martha Jo served as church pianist there for 62 years, playing for countless weddings, funerals, and worship services. Her dedication and musical talent touched generations of families throughout the community. In addition to her service at church, Martha Jo taught at the original Avery Elementary School. When her husband Trammell served as Commissioner of Cherokee County for 24 years, she became affectionately known as the "First Lady of Cherokee County," admired as the strong, gracious presence behind his leadership. After Trammell's passing, Martha Jo later married Elmer Lingefelt, with whom she shared many happy years. Whether at home, on camping trips, or in the community, she continued to share her gift of music, playing at local churches, nursing homes, and special gatherings. Even as the years brought challenges, she never lost her love for the piano and her devotion to serving others through music, glorifying her creator. In 2017, after Elmer's passing, Martha Jo moved to The Landings of Canton in 2021. She remained active in music until her health declined, entering memory care in 2022. Despite these challenges, her faith and spirit continued to inspire those around her. She continued to share God's gift of music all the way up until recent months. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Capstone Hospice and The Landings of Canton for their compassionate care. Special thanks are given to Ola, for your caring touch of love shown, Annette for always listening and talking to Martha Jo and Megan, whose kindness, love, friendship and dedication brought comfort to Martha Jo, and to Janie and Sandra of Capstone, whose daily visits were a true blessing to her and the family. Martha Jo will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother and a faithful servant of God whose music lifted hearts and strengthened faith across Cherokee County. Her legacy of love, grace, and service will live on in all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Trammel Carmichael, her husband of 19 years, Elmer Lingefelt, and her son, Robert Trammel "Sonny" Carmichael. She is survived by Son - Johnny (Kathy) Carmichael of Canton, GA. Daughter - Patsy (Milford) Mason of Canton, GA. Daughter - Connie (Mike) Green of Canton, GA. 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren also survive. The family will receive friends at Darby Funeral Home Thursday, August 28th from 4-8pm and Friday, August 29th from 11am-2pm. The funeral will follow at 2pm in the chapel of Darby Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Green and Mr. Mitch Mason officiating. Interment will follow at Macedonia Memorial Park. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5346265 The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Lingefelt family.