Martha Jane Williams

Martha Jane Williams of Springfield, MO passed away at The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek. Martha Jane was born to John C. Hurt and Georgia Baldwin on August 27, 1947, in St. Louis, MO. She was also raised in St. Louis; MO. Martha Jane Hurt was united in marriage to Dennis Ray Thornton in November 1964. The couple was married for 8 years before Dennis's untimely passing in December 1971. The couple was blessed with 3 boys, Darren, Dewayne and Dean Thornton. In 1974, Martha Jane and the boys were blessed with the addition of her daughter Melissa Crawford.

Martha Jane Williams was a beloved mother, homemaker, child caregiver, foster parent, and she provided home care to many elderly people in her later days. When she was not working or caring for others she loved to sew, crochet, knit, cook, and spend time with her family including her siblings, her children, and her grandchildren. Studying her bible and attending church gave Martha Jane the most fulfillment. Martha Jane will be remembered as a strong, God-fearing woman who was often described by others as independent, strong willed and at time a rebel. Martha Jane leaves behind a legacy of children, grandchild, family and friends who share her love and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Martha Jane Williams is preceded in death by her parent John and Georgia Hurt, her sister, Patricia Ferguson, and her husband, Dennis Ray Thornton.

She is survived by her siblings, Anita (Terry) Collier, Bill Hurt, David (America) Hurt, and John Hurt. She is also survived by her children Darren (Michelle) Thornton of Buffalo, MO; Dewayne (Rhonda) Thornton of Willard, MO, Dean (Carla) Thornton of Rotonda West, FL, and Melissa (Jeff) Crawford of Licking, MO, her grandchildren, Cory, Brooke, Justin, Tessa, Colton, Carissa and Bryce and 5 great grandchildren with the 6 th one coming soon!