Martha Poor
Martha Rae Lawson Poor, of Obion was born on Nov. 6, 1937, and passed away on Nov. 5, 2026, at Methodist Olive Branch Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Leon Poor; her parents, Allie Mae Lawson and Ed Lawson; and her brother, Eddie Jean Lawson.
She leaves behind her son, Wayne Ashmore (Margaret); her daughter, Annette McAlister (Keith); and her stepchildren, Mike Poor (the late Pam), Wanda Jones (Van) and Sandy McCall (the late Mac). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jarrod Ashmore, Travis Ashmore (Sarah), Miranda Carlton (John), Ryan McAlister (Lacey) and Mallory Manning (Evan); stepgrandchildren, Dan Poor (Abigail), Adam Poor (Caren), Christa Curtis (Tim), Jamie Sowell (Zach) and Joseph Jones; great-grandchildren, Lexi Ashmore, Carly Ashmore, Aubree Ashmore, Silas Carlton, Wrenley Carlton, Sutton Carlton, Levi Manning, Juniper Manning and Avery McAlister; and stepgreat-grandchildren, Leon Poor, Brady Poor, Brendan Whartenby, Kaeden Whartenby, Felicity Whartenby, RJ Curtis and Lorelai Curtis. She is also survived by her aunt, Annell Orr; and cousin, Larry Orr.
Martha attended Obion County High School, where she was voted “Most Attractive” by her classmates. Following her graduation in 1956, she attended beauty school and worked as a beautician for several years before dedicating herself to being a homemaker and raising her two children, Wayne and Annette.
In 1980, while living in Memphis, Martha married the love of her life, Arthur Leon Poor. Affectionately known as “Marthy” to Leon, the two shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they divided their time between Martha’s family home in Obion and their camper on Kentucky Lake. At her family home, Martha enjoyed spending time on the front porch, rocking and swinging, watching the hummingbirds, caring for her home and dogs, and sharing life’s simple pleasures with Leon. At Kentucky Lake, they treasured their time on the water, fishing and visiting with neighbors, friends and loved ones.
Above all, Martha was a devoted child of God. Her faith was an essential part of her daily life. She faithfully devoted time to personal Bible study and worshipped with the congregations at Refuge, Getwell, New Liberty, Obion and Oak Ridge Church of Christ throughout her lifetime. Martha will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring Granny to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, exemplary homemaker and cherished friend. She loved well and was well loved by those blessed to know her.
A memorial service celebrating Martha’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at noon at Troy Church of Christ, 1215 US-51 N, Troy, TN 38260. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memphis School of Preaching at https://www.msop.org/donate/.
White-Ranson Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
The Messenger