Martha Park

Dr. Martha Abeline Mayes Park entered Heaven on February 13, 2023, the day of her 90th birthday.

She was born to Thomas Howard Mayes and Ruby Stamper Mayes and grew up helping on the family’s farm in Newton County, MS. She graduated from Newton County Agricultural High School in 1951 and from East Central Junior College in 1953. She attended the University of Mississippi, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Education in 1955, and a Master of Arts degree in English in 1957. At the University she met Army veteran James Park, and they married in 1958.

Martha taught English in Taos, NM, and Meridian, MS before she and James moved to Albuquerque, NM so she could attend the University of New Mexico, where she earned a PhD in English in 1967. Their two daughters were born while she worked on her graduate studies. In 1968 she accepted a professorship at Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus, MS. From 1970-74 she was a professor of English at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL while James completed his Ph.D. at the University of Alabama.

In 1974 the family returned to Mississippi, where Martha taught at Jackson State University and later at Raymond High School. She was a member, Sunday school teacher, and Elder at Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson.

Upon retirement, she and James moved to his hometown, Forest, MS. They enjoyed visiting their daughters and grandchildren in Las Vegas, NV, and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. They attended Forest United Methodist Church.

Martha is survived by her husband of 64 years, James Park, daughters Julia Ogden (Paul), and Dr. Mary Jane Magruder (Jeff Levin), granddaughters Hannah Ogden (Dominique Caspers), Susie Shockey (Dylan), and Olivia Magruder, grandson Charlie Magruder, great-granddaughter Shania Caspers and great-grandson Shane Caspers. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Jewell Brand and Sara Jane Richardson and cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Rudolph Mayes and Pete Mayes.

Martha was a beloved wife and family member as well as a friend and colleague to many in the academic community.

Martha loved flowers but would rather see them growing than cut. Please donate to a school or literacy charity if desired. Visitation with the family will be at Forest United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 25 at 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. with a reception at the church.