Martha Word

Martha Word, 87, passed away on October 27, 2026, in Aberdeen, Mississippi.

Born on January 2, 1939, Martha lived a life centered on faith, family, music, and service to others. She graduated from Amory High School, where she was a basketball player and cheerleader. Those who knew her remember a passionate and loving woman who would always go the extra mile for people.

Music was a special part of Martha’s life. She was self-taught on the piano and organ, a gift that became one of her proudest accomplishments. She played piano and organ for churches, including Meadowood Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church. She was also a founding member of Meadowood Baptist Church, a lasting part of the faith community she helped build. In 2010, she worked alongside her husband, Ike, at a petting zoo, sharing yet another chapter of life and working together.

Martha enjoyed sewing, gardening, shopping, basketball, selling Avon, playing the organ and piano, cooking, listening to gospel music, and taking care of her family. She especially treasured shopping and playing cards with her high school friends, Helen Weddle and Bobbye Roye. Among the blessings of her life, she was most proud of being a mother to four boys, a role she held close to her heart.

She is survived by her sons, John Robert Word of Wichita Falls, Texas, Jamie Lynn Word, Joseph Michael Word of Amory, Mississippi, and Jeffery Neil Word of Aberdeen, Mississippi. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Vera Woodward Word of Wichita Falls, Texas.

Martha also leaves behind her grandchildren, Tonya Word of Wichita Falls, Texas, Jonathon Word of Wichita Falls, Texas, Marti Hinojosa of Denton, Texas, Zack Word of Amory, Mississippi, and Clark Word of Amory, Mississippi. She is further survived by her nephew, Jimmy Lee Word of Hernando, Mississippi, and by her nieces, Maria Rice (Rudy) of Du Quoin, Illinois, Rena Burns (John) of Franklin, Tennessee, and Cindy Hunter Windle (Mark) of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Her family and friends will remember her with love for her kindness, her steady care, and the way she made home and family a priority.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Isaac “Ike” Word, with whom she shared 64 wonderful years of marriage; her father, Vertis Pickle; her mother, Alice Pickle; her brothers, Hester Pickle and Lester Pickle; and her sisters, Eva Neil Hunter and Mable Pickle.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, located at 500 3rd Ave S, Amory, Mississippi 38821. Visitation will take place that same day from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Tranquil Methodist Church Cemetery in Wren. Brother Jimmy McFatter will officiate.

Martha Word will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, strong love, and generous spirit. Her life was a blessing to her family, her church, and all who had the joy of knowing her.