Martha Willis Thrower, born Jan. 3, 1932 passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Dec. 30 four days before her 92^nd birthday.

Martha was the second oldest child of nine children born to Margaret and Pete Willis. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years George Robert Thrower, her mother and father, older brother Horace White Willis, younger brothers Tommy and Pascal “Tykie” Willis.

She is survived by her son George Robert Thrower, Jr. of Huntsville, AL. Her sisters Ann (James) Martin of Nashville, Sara Reichneau and Linda Willis of Tullahoma, brothers Bud (Lee) Willis of Naples, FL and James “Beau” Willis of Olive Branch, Ms., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Beloved for her grace and charm by all who knew her, Martha grew up in Tullahoma and was crowned Miss Tullahoma at the age of 17. She graduated from high school there in 1950 and from Nashville Business School in 1951 and served as an administrative assistant to the Army Corps of Engineers in Tullahoma before transferring to Huntsville as a newlywed to be with her husband where she was employed by the Army Rocket and Guided Missile Agency during the “hay day” of the space race in Huntsville. She worked for 10 years before retiring to raise a family and become a stay at home mom.

According to her sister Ann, who was also crowned Miss Tullahoma one year after her sister, “Martha’s competence in whatever she undertook was such a marvelous comfort to me. We were always the best of friends… never in competition or at odds with each other. She will be greatly missed. I value the deep love and friendship we shared.”

Martha was the poster child for having a positive attitude. She discovered the game of tennis in her 50’s advancing her league team in Huntsville to win state, and then on to sectionals in New Orleans. She loved nothing more than a well-managed life without drama, excelling at entertaining, cooking, home decorating, and trips to Florida for beach-walking and exploring sea life. Traveling with her sisters and staying up until the wee hours laughing and talking with them was one of her favorite pastimes. Throughout her life she was a trustworthy role model who loved and guided her family with competent consistency; a great friend who had a gift for listening, and a rare intellect for knowing exactly what to say … and often, more importantly, what not to say. She was a member of the Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville, AL.

She, as did her husband, donated her body to the UAB Medical School. The time and place of a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to a charity of your choice in her memory.

Tullahoma News – Jan. 7, 2024