Martha Ann Witherspoon

Martha Miller Witherspoon, age 76, of Abingdon, Va., passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Bristol, Va.  She was born to Harriette and Kenneth Miller on December 30, 1944.  Martha grew up in the 1950's and 60's in the idyllic town of Abingdon, Va.  She graduated from Abingdon High School in 1962 and received a BS from William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Va.  After teaching for a year in Atlanta, she married her first husband, Emmitt Yeary, in Hawaii.  After Emmitt's discharge from the Army, they returned to Abingdon where she taught Chemistry at Abingdon High School for more than 30 years.  Martha later married Raymond M. "Spoonie" Witherspoon.  Martha was a devoted teacher who loved teaching and loved her students.  She was a gifted artist and a master bridge player.  She was always fun-loving and enjoyed going on annual beach trips with her many girl buddies.  She was a lover of dogs, people and politics.  She was a member of the American League of Women Voters, Abingdon Booklovers Club and various other organizations.  

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Spoonie Witherspoon; both parents and sister, Malissa M. Anderson.  She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Hunter Witherspoon; two grandsons, Coal and Alex; stepdaughter, Amanda Witherspoon and husband, Eric, and their children, Bella and Theo, of the Asheville area of N.C.  She is also survived by her niece, Missy Anderson and partner, Mike Dalton, of Sanford, N.C.; nephew, Andy Anderson and wife, Catherine, and their children, Caroline and Will of Burlington, N.C.; and Malissa's partner, Charles Douthit, of Raleigh, N.C. 

With special thanks to Caris Hospice for care in her final days, especially to Amanda and Tammy Jo.  Martha lived the last months of her life at Brookdale Senior Living, and appreciated very much the kindness, attention and good food.  She particularly wanted to paint the beautiful view of the mountains outside her window.   

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in Knollkreg Memorial Park with the Rev. Amy R. Probst officiating.  A reception will follow at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.   

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a trust fund established for Martha’s grandsons, Coal and Alex. Checks may be made payable to Mafair United Methodist Church, 1409 E. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37664, with a notation of "Witherspoon Trust" in the memo.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Martha Miller Witherspoon is being cared for by the Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).