Mrs. Martha Jo Gilstrap McWhorter
August 15, 1929 – March 31, 2024
On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, Martha Jo Gilstrap McWhorter of Gaylesville, Alabama, our beloved mother, passed away. She was ninety-four. Martha was the daughter of Fred and Lois Gilstrap of Red Bank, Tennessee, and the wife of Robert Dale McWhorter for 47 years until Dale’s death in 1999. Martha was the mother of three children: Robert Dale McWhorter, Jr. (Terri Ann); William Allen McWhorter (Loretta); and Martha Sara McWhorter Shaw (Ralph). Martha had two grandchildren: Andrew Shaw (Natalie) and Emily Shaw Aderholt (Tyler); three great-grandchildren: Daley Aderholt, Owen Shaw and Beau Shaw; one step granddaughter, Sue Hope (Jerry), and five step grandchildren, Ray Hope, Tiffany Hope, Logan Hope, Jake Nash (Kayla) and Carter Nash.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Dale McWhorter; her parents, Fred and Lois Gilstrap; and her brothers, Sam and Max Gilstrap.
Martha is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Louise Nelson, and many loving and wonderful nieces and nephews.
Early in life Martha exhibited a talent for music. She was a graduate of Red Bank High School and Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, with a major in music. Martha taught piano to many students both in and out of the public education system. In addition to her music instruction, Martha taught fifth grade at Gaylesville School for more than twenty years.
In addition to her vocation, practically from the time she took up residence in Gaylesville, until she was ninety years old, Martha regularly played the piano and organ for services in several local churches: including Gaylesville Methodist Church, Salem Church and Cedar Bluff Methodist Church. She also performed as a member of a local mountain dulcimer orchestra.
Martha devoted her entire life to the service of others through her devotion to and caring for her husband, children, her mother and her extended family; through her teaching career, touching the lives of many students; and through her music ministry in the churches of the community.
A memorial service will be held 2:30 PM Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Stone Chapel at Riverside in Gaylesville with Dr. George Cobb officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until the time of service Thursday at Stone Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Perry Funeral Home Directing.