Martha Fay Davis Richey Holt, cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, at the age of 97. She was born on January 1, 1928, in Decatur, Alabama, to Marion and Susie Dutton Davis, who laid the foundation for a life filled with love, resilience, and unwavering faith.

Martha's life was a tapestry woven with rich experiences and deep connections. Raised in a nurturing household, she carried forth the values instilled by her parents throughout her life. Her journey included two precious marriages, first to Auston Richey and later to Chester Coy Holt. She embraced her roles as a wife and mother with grace, pouring her heart into her family.

Throughout her colorful life, Martha was blessed with a loving family, although she faced her share of heartache. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her first husband Auston Richey, her second husband Chester Coy Holt, her sons Charles Ray Richey and Bobby Joe Richey, and her cherished grandchildren Joshua Richey, Joey Richey, Rhonda Horn, and Elizabeth Richey. She also mourned the loss of her five sisters, who she held dear to her heart.

Despite these losses, Martha's spirit remained unbroken. She is survived by her son Jesse Richey (Sylvia), her daughter Debra Graves (Ronnie), daughter-in-law Norma Richey, her special niece Kathy Smith, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry her memory forward. Each of them holds a piece of her heart, a testament to the love she freely gave and the joy she found in family gatherings, where laughter and stories flowed easily.

Martha was a woman of faith and actively attended the Holiness Mission Tabernacle, where her spirit resonated with the community. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, which included canning and quilting, taking a ride in the car, hobbies that connected her to generations past. She cherished the memories of her earlier years spent on the farm and the stories of picking cotton, always eager to share tales from her rich tapestry of life. Her fondness for family traditions was evident in her enjoyment of playing marbles with her loved ones, creating beautiful memories that would last a lifetime.

The funeral service to honor Martha's remarkable life will be held on January 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Blount County/Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel, located at 17885 State Highway 160, Cleveland, Alabama, with a visitation from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Bro. Ronnie Graves will officiate the service. Following the service, Martha will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Hayden, Alabama. Her pallbearers will include Paul Graves, Scott Walker, Nathan Richey, Jacob Richey, TJ Horn and Caleb Moore, who will carry her memory with them as they honor her legacy.

Martha Fay Davis Richey Holt will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her indomitable spirit, boundless love, and unwavering faith will forever be a source of inspiration to her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love of those who have gone before her.

Blount County/Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.