Martha Hood's Obituary
Martha Louise Hood was born July 3, 1925, in East Saint Louis, Illinois to the union of Willie and Genevieve Oliver. She was awarded her rest on June 16, 2020 at her home in Decatur, Illinois.
Martha received her education as a child growing up in Brinkley, Arkansas. Her formal school teachings stopped when she reached the 8th grade. She maintained her written and reading skills by studying her Bible. Martha would go on to be respected for her hard work, her green thumb and her unmatched skill in the kitchen.
Martha and her children settled in Decatur, Illinois in the early 1950’s. She knew she needed to find employment and a place of worship. In her words she didn’t want her or her children to be a burden on anyone.
Never ashamed of her praise. For over 40 years, Martha was a dedicated and faithful member of Church of the Living God Temple #3 under the leadership of Bishop Calvin Peppers. As a member of the Usher Board, Martha was a doorkeeper, for more than 20 years. She maintained the study of her Word by faithfully attending Sunday School. When her health limited her driving, she was known to request that someone come carry her to church.
Martha made a name for herself as the Executive Chef of the Five Star Restaurant The Blue Mill. She was especially known for her Sunday dinners and handmade cinnamon rolls until she retired after 40 years. Martha worked 6 days a week, except for one night, this night she reserved for her family. Monday night dinner at 1136 E Grand. That was the day she set aside to rest and enjoy her “Bambinos”. Retirement would not stop her, she would continue working for local restaurants, making lunches for the factories, and being a helper and companion for elderly residents in Decatur.
Her entire life she stood on her Faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the benefits of getting to know Him for yourself by studying His Word, Tithing, hard work and education. She never expected you to be what she did not show you was possible.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents. Her first husband Mitchell Mason and her second husband Sam Hood. Son, Napoleon W. Mason. Daughters, Mary Louise Hood, Jeanette E. Hedges and Delores Mason. Great Granddaughter Jasmine Jones. Great Grandson Litdell M. Goodwin, Jr. Nieces Laverne Gude and Deborah Johnson and Great-Niece Raquel Thaxton.
Those who will continue to celebrate Martha’s life:
The person who had the sole right to call her “Sis”, Martha’s one and only Sister, Marie Elizabeth Oliver of Decatur Illinois.
Those she dedicated her life and who called her “Momma” her children, Mitchell Donald Lee Mason and Phillip Hood of Decatur, Illinois, Sam W. Hood of Kansas City, Missouri. Ruby Jean Mason of Decatur, Illinois and Kathy (Tony) Snow, of Kansas City, Missouri.
Martha reserved her “Double Love” for her 25 Grand, 59 Great Grand and 22 Great-Great Grand Children. Who lovingly called her “Real, Real” Grandma.
She will be remembered by those who only knew her as “Ainee”. Her one and only nephew, Robert Henderson of Decatur, Illinois. Nieces, Patricia (Tommy) Russell of Florissant, Missouri, Lois Jean (Tyrone) Oldham and Teah Henderson both of Decatur, Illinois. To include Great and Great-Great Nieces and Nephews.
Martha showed love to all, she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, cousins and a host of family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of the Living God Temple #3, 1762 E Prairie Ave Decatur, Illinois 62521 on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. with Elder Clifford Mitchell, Officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 AM on Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow in Macon County Memorial Park.
The family has entrusted Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland St., Decatur, IL with Martha’s arrangements. Please view her obituary and share condolences at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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