Martha Lou Britt Jones

Mrs. Martha Britt Jones passed away peacefully at her Elberton, Georgia home on Thursday, February 25, 2021, just three months shy of her 96th birthday.

Martha Lou Britt was born in Snellville, Georgia on May 24, 1925, daughter of the late William Clifford Britt and Bernice Helen Maddox Britt, and graduated with the 1942 class of Snellville High School. The eldest daughter of two public school educators, Martha also embarked into the field of education.

She furthered her education at Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, presently known as Georgia College and State University. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Home Economic Education in 1946, Martha accepted a teaching position at Townes County High School in Hiawassee, where she taught from 1946-1948. In 1948, Mrs. Jones began teaching at Norcross High School and did so until 1953. She moved to Elberton in 1953 when she accepted a position at Elberton High School and taught faithfully there until 1962. After her children were in school, Martha taught one year of 7th grade English at Blackwell. Mrs. Jones remained life long friends with many of her former students.

In 1956, Clyde and Jean Adams introduced Harold Jones, Jr. and Martha Britt. After a two year courtship, the two were wed on July 27, 1958, and enjoyed nearly 63 years of wedded bliss. The family grew in 1962 with the birth of their daughter, Mary Martha and was completed in 1963 with the birth of their son, Harold Hudson, III.

Mrs. Jones was a dedicated member of the Elberton Community who had a servant’s heart. She was a longtime member of the Elberton Pilot Club where she served two terms as president, once in 1970 and again in 1990. Martha was honored to be invited as guest speaker at the Pilot International Convention in San Diego in 2009. At the age of 84, she proudly accepted and addressed a crowd of several hundred. Martha was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Elberton, the church’s circle group, and Presbyterian Women. A lover of history, Mrs. Jones enjoyed memberships in both the Elbert County Historical Society and Snellville Historical Society. During the 1970s, she served as a Girl Scout Leader and participated in many of their camping trips. Mrs. Jones was a dedicated member of Future Homemakers of America and attended many events at FHA Camp in Covington.

Martha was an accomplished baker who was well known for baking cares and sharing with many. She was proud to have complied 50 years worth of her favorite recipes into a cookbook that was published in 1997. More than 1,500 copies have been printed and found their way to every continent except Antartica. Mrs. Jones enjoyed reading and needlepoint work. She made baby bibs for newborn babies county wide. Mrs.Jones enjoyed pleasure walking up until the age of 93.

Mrs. Jones is survived by her husband, Harold Hudson Jones, Jr.; daughter, Mary Martha Jones Fendley; son, Harold Hudson Jones, III,; grandson, Kevin Michael Fendley; and siblings: Laurie Britt and Clark Britt and his wife Carol. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Helen Britt Hancock Powell.

Due to COVID-19, a private family funeral service celebrating Martha's life was held on Sunday, February 28, at 2:00p.m. from the Sanctuary of Elberton First Presbyterian Church. A public graveside service followed at 3:30p.m. in Historic Elmhurst Cemetery. The Rev. Charles Romine and The Rev. Peter Yuh officiated and Mr. Jackson Caruso and Mrs. Ann Lloyd provided music.

Friends were able to pay their respects to Mrs. Jones and sign the guest register on Saturday, February 27, from 12:00-3:00p.m. and on Sunday, February 28, from 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Contributions may be made in her memory to First Presbyterian Church of Elberton, P.O. Box 185, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton was respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Martha Britt Jones.