Martha Ann Hall Baugh was born Oct. 4, 1941, in Mathiston, Mississippi, to loving parents, Thurman and Myrtle Hall, and was the eldest of their seven children. Following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, she was recently hospitalized at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and then, surrounded by her family, Martha entered the gates of heaven on Feb. 18, 2023.
Martha was a lifelong seeker of wisdom and knowledge and placed a high value on education and Christian service. Even as a young child, she much preferred to sit and listen at the feet of the grownups, rather than play with the other children. After graduation from Mathiston High School in 1959, she began her college education at Clarke College in Newton, Mississippi, earning an Associate of Arts diploma in 1961. She transferred to William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to major in English, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. During her college years, Martha was active in the choral arts programs and served as a summer missionary with the Baptist Home Mission Board in Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina. While at Clarke College, she met her future husband, James Baugh. They later married in 1963 and settled in Auburn. Martha then enrolled at Auburn University and soon added an elementary teacher certification to her credentials. During her teaching career, she had the opportunity to teach English and Spanish to elementary, middle and high school students in Alabama and Mississippi. In later years, Martha attended Southern Union State’s Community College in Opelika, and achieved CNA certification and lovingly cared for many patients, including her own mother.
Martha was a loving, devoted mother to Eddie, Rachel, Stephen and Ben, and was very proud of all their accomplishments, and loved their spouses and her precious grandchildren. She was a strong Christian, spiritual advisor and sought-after prayer warrior for her family and friends as they were confident that Martha most certainly had “Jesus on the main line”.
A talented pianist and singer, Martha served as church pianist in her teens, and throughout her life, sang and accompanied her family and friends in vocal performances for worship services and community events. The blend of the Hall siblings’ voices produced the most beautiful harmony, with many special memories created when gathered around the piano.
Martha was also a gifted seamstress, sewing for family and friends alike. For many years, Martha was an active member of the Red Hat Society and, along with several dear friends, greatly enjoyed the times spent together at dinner and social events. She attended Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, and one of the great highlights of Martha Ann’s life was a 2008 trip to Israel to visit The Holy Land. She treasured this experience the remainder of her life, sharing often the photos and memories of the trip.
Martha Ann was preceded in death by her parents, William Thurman Hall and Myrtle Booth Hall of Mathiston, Mississippi. She is survived by her husband James E. Baugh, of Auburn, four children; Edward “Eddie” Baugh (Mary Lou) of Opelika, Rachel Baugh Streetman (Sonny) of Auburn, Stephen Baugh of Auburn, Benjamin “Ben” Baugh (Dayla) of Hoover, Alabama and six siblings; Mary Ellen Parks (Ray) of Bartlett, Tennessee, Nelda Cole (Steve) of Collierville, Tennessee, Judy Thompson (Joe) of Eupora, Mississippi, Rudy Hall (Elaine) of Rainbow City, Alabama, Wanda Spigner (Phil) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Brenda Young (Dean) of Carrollton, MS and 11 grandchildren; Austin Baugh (Jessica), Autumn Baugh, Breyton Baugh, Collin Baugh, Mary Kathryn Streetman, Aaron Streetman, Karen Streetman Smith (Matt), Rachel Streetman Moore (Colden), Benjamin Baugh, Broxton Baugh, Adeline Baugh, four great-grandchildren and a host of special nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, with Visitation to begin at 1 p.m. The graveside service will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Phil Spigner with Martha’s grandsons to serve as pallbearers, and several nephews as honorary pallbearers.
