Martha Albers

Martha Frances Albers’ earthly journey ended on Nov. 29, 2023, when she was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She has now seen Him face to face and is rejoicing in His wonderful presence, and among all those who have gone before.

Martha was born in Memphis, Tennessee on Dec. 1, 1929, to Allen Cooper Garner and Grace Cruce Garner, lifelong residents of Poplar Bluff.

In the words of our mother, “How do you reduce a life to words? Isn’t it who you are, only partially reflected in what you do?” The essence, then, of our mother was her love of Jesus Christ and living out that love throughout her lifetime in expressing care for others. She had a tremendous capacity for empathy and it was manifested by prayer with and for others, and bringing them food. Often soup. Even doing this into her nineties. It was amazing. She was a spiritual mentor not only to her own children, but to a whole host of people whom she loved over the years, sharing her faith and wisdom. Mother was a committed and dedicated Sunday School teacher and prepared for days before each lesson as though studying for a test. Teaching was but one of her spiritual gifts. She was a prolific letter writer, sending notes of encouragement and faith, even up until the month before her passing. Mother served as a lay speaker, a lay chaplain in the local hospital, and took communion to shut-ins. Most of all she was a wonderful example of the love of Christ to her children and all who knew her. She handled life with prayer and humor.

Martha grew up in Poplar Bluff, graduating from high school here in 1947. In 1957, she married David William Albers, of Evanston, Illinois. They made their home in Poplar Bluff and raised four children, entering actively into church and community life. They celebrated 64 years together before her husband’s passing in 2021.

Martha was a graduate of Stephens College, Denison University, and the Vanderbilt School of Divinity. At Stephens, she was chosen by her peers to represent the “Fourfold Girl”, which was a singular honor for a graduating senior. At Denison University, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and elected to the scholastic honorary fraternity of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1954, she represented Missouri in the national Maid of Cotton competition in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2001, at her 50th reunion, she was awarded the Denison Alumnae Citation for outstanding service in recognition of her involvement in the founding of Haven House. She taught Biblical Studies, Ethics and Philosophy at Stephens College, Eureka College, Texas Christian University and Three Rivers Community College.

Mother loved and valued her church. She was a choir member and occasional soloist for many years at First Christian Church then First United Methodist Church. She held offices in both Christian Women’s Fellowship and the United Methodist Women, and joyfully dedicated time and energy to teaching Sunday School for over 50 years. She was a faithful member of Fellowship General Baptist Church at the time of her passing.

Mother’s care for others was revealed in her community activities. She worked as a Girl Scout leader and was instrumental in founding our local Haven House, a place of safety for victims of domestic violence in Poplar Bluff and the surrounding area. She served as first president of the Haven House Board of Directors and as a board member for over 25 years. Director Mary Ann Allen has said she had to ask mother to “sit on her hands” when volunteers were requested during board meetings. In 1988, Martha received the Adult Volunteer of Year Award from the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce. She was a charter member of Chapter KB of P.E.O. and a 70+ year member of the philanthropic sisterhood. In 2008 she committed to mentoring an elementary student. At age 78 she began playing her mother’s violin again and played with a small local group of musicians called the “Ringing Strings”. Martha was also gifted artistically, winning awards in watercolor and graphic arts for two works in the Artist Guild Show. Mother supported the local Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri with donations of art for auction.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Grace Garner, her husband, David William Albers, her brother, Dr. Rev. Allen Garner, and her son, David William Albers, Jr.. She is survived by her three remaining children, Grace Christian Blaich (John), Dr. Timothy Albers (Susan) and Rev. Gay Albers (Greg Roberts), and grandchildren David William Albers III, (Emily), Cooper Albers (Allie), Rachel Aden (Aaron), Kathryn Frazier (Ryan), Benjamin Albers (Monica), Sarah Hahn (Karl), Andrew Albers, Daniel Roberts, Joel Roberts and Zachary Roberts. Mother was also survived by 13 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Carissa Albers and two special friends, Rebecca Chadwick and Genia Weitzel.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by White Sanders Funeral Home of Fisk, Missouri. There will be a visitation for family and friends at Fellowship General Baptist Church from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, with funeral immediately following at 1 p.m. Rev. Byron Beck officiating.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Martha Albers may be made to Fellowship General Baptist Church or Haven House.