Martha Paxson
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Martha Jo Callaway Paxson (93) passed away peacefully on September 14, 2021 in Bostwick, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Lena Stovall Callaway and the late Marshall Hammond Callaway, Sr. Mrs. Paxson attended Tift College and graduated in 1949 from G.S.C.W. in Milledgeville, Georgia, with a double degree in Home Economics Education and Elementary Education. She was employed by the Georgia Extension Service as a Home Demonstration Agent working in Fannin, Towns and Union Counties. She then became the first Extension Agent for Gilmer County. She met Robin McDowell Paxson in Abbeville, Georgia, who was teaching in the Veterans Farm Training Program in Ellijay. The married December 24, 1950.
In 1951 they moved to Morgan County and joined her parents in forming Callaway and Paxson Dairy Partnership. When her youngest child entered school, Mrs. Paxson began her 20 year career as a teacher at Rutledge Academy. She was also active in her church, community and county activities. She was devoted to her work in the Gibbs Memorial Baptist Church, serving as W.M.U. Director, V.B.S. Director for 38 years, church organist for 43 years, and teacher of the Senior Adult Ladies Sunday School Class for 20 years.
After retirement, Martha Jo enjoyed hobbies such as bible study, gardening, writing poetry, family genealogy and watching grandchildren participate in school and athletic activities. She was also a talented seamstress and cook. She enjoyed travelling, including numerous trips with her three sisters. She had a full life, filled with fun and laughter with her family and friends.
She is survived by her children who all live in Bostwick: Jimmy (Pansy) Paxson; Phil (Karen) Paxson; Kathy (Steve) Strahan; Karen (George) Beckham and Gena (Sean) Christian; and Myra C. Folsom of Villa Rica, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robin M. Paxson, Sr.; son, Robin (Robbie) M. Paxson, Jr.; grandson, Chad W. Paxson; great grandchildren Kymirria and Kaira Collier; brother, Marshall Callaway, Jr. and sister, Allie C. Kilpartick Hill.
Services were held at Gibbs Memorial Baptist Church in Bostwick, Georgia. A.E. Carter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Gibbs Memorial Baptist Church or to St. Mary's Healthcare System Hospice Fund.