Martha Chiles

Martha graduated from Paragould High School in 1953. She was dedicated to helping people and bringing them joy, and it was displayed in every aspect of her life. She also enjoyed adventures, and after graduation, she married Burrell. Then in July, they moved to Alaska. In 1968, Martha obtained a private pilot license. In 1969 after her husband was elected to the Arkansas Senate, Martha and him moved to Little Rock where she worked as a bill clerk at the Capitol. They also owned and ran the Wash-O-Matic in the early 1980s. She volunteered with AMMC Hospital Auxiliary, and was a member of FUMC for over 75 years. She loved flowers and plants and earned her lifetime membership as a Master Gardener.  

Martha's love for humanity was boundless; she treasured every connection made, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind her loving children, Lissa (Don) Tabor and Kevin (Melody) Thompson; grandchildren, Shelly Lee, Brooke (Logan) Lands, Baylie Tabor, Ella Tabor, Mallory (Caleb) Williams, Marshall (Jordan)Thompson, MacKenzie (Luke) Foster, Maggie Thompson, and Kyle (Amanda) Jaques; great grandchildren, Benjamin, Bodee, and Bexton Williams, Millie, Tripp, and Ford Foster, Rhett Lands, Kamdin Thompson, Elliot and Noctis Mayberry, and Holland and James Jaques. Their love and memories will forever cherish the legacy their Meme leaves behind.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hoyt and Loisy (Atchison) Marshall, her brother, Hoyt Marshall, late husband and father of her children, Burrell Thompson, daughter, Michelle Thompson, husband, Richard Chiles, daughter in-law, Lori Thompson, and two brother in-laws, A.W. Thompson and Merlin Chiles. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, starting at 11am followed by Celebration of Life at 1pm at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Dane Womack officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Marshall Thompson, Caleb Williams, Luke Foster, Logan Lands, Bryant Marshall and Mark Miller. Memorials can be made to Paragould First United Methodist Church.

Martha Ann may have left us physically; however, her essence shall forever remain in our hearts, a beacon of love and light guiding us through the journey of life.