Martha Minus James

Dr. Martha Minus James was born in York, Alabama on January 23, 1958. She was a resident of Sumter County for most of her life. Martha graduated from Sumter Academy and went on to obtain her BS and MA in education from The University of West Alabama. She later obtained her doctorate in elementary education from Capella University while working as an associate professor at UWA. Martha taught elementary school at Clarkdale Elementary in Mississippi for over 20 years before moving to teach at UWA. She devoted her life to teaching and loved her students. She was equally loved by her students and peers as she was voted the "Most Fun to be Around" and "Favorite Teacher" and she received the Good Apple Award for teaching. Martha loved the outdoors, spending time with family, and entertaining friends at Louden with her husband, Fleet. Martha dearly loved The Lord, her family, friends, and life. She was funny, kind, giving and thoughtful. Martha passed peacefully on December 8, 2024. She was loved dearly by family and friends and she will be missed by all.

 Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Jackson and Patricia "Pat" Minus, and her sister, Susan Minus Tait. She is survived by her husband, Charles Fleetwood "Fleet" James III; her brother, Joseph Jackson "Jay" Minus, Jr. (Nancy); her nieces, Jacquline "Jackie" Renfroe Nelson (Korey), Laura Minus Strachan (Kyle), and Leigh Minus Crowley (Jay); her nephews, Joseph Jackson Minus III (Rachel), and Mathew Collier Minus; and great nephews Patrick Joseph Minus and Henry Michael Minus. 

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Livingston, 105 North Washington Street. Visitation for family and friends at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Luke A. Ponder will officiate. A family graveside burial will follow at Hennigan Cemetery. The Pallbearers will be John James Crowley III, Joseph Jackson Minus III, Joseph Taylor Minus, Kyle LaRocque Strachan, Matthew Collier Minus, and Preston Cornelius "Trey" Minus III. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hennigan Cemetery, P.O. Box 6 Epes, Alabama 35460. Online condolences may be given, www.freemancitronelle.com