Allen, Martha - age 82 of Norris, passed away on December 25, 2014 peacefully after a brief illness.

Martha was born in Clay Co., KY. She attended Red Bird Mission as a child and graduated from Lily High School. In 1950, she enlisted in the Army and worked in the Signal Corp at the Pentagon, where she met her husband, Command Sgt Major Russel Allen. During their forty-five year marriage, they enjoyed traveling the world and the United States.

Martha and her family settled in Norris in 1968, where she was active in her community and enjoyed time spent with her family and friends. She was a member of Norris Religious Fellowship Church, Women's Fellowship, Norris Woman's Club and the Norris Red Hat Dames. She was an avid reader, a breast cancer survivor, and a former Pink Ladies of St. Mary's Hospital. She especially enjoyed watching UT basketball and football games.

In addition to her parents, John Henry and Mary Taylor Reed, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Russel; son-in-law Paul B. Loiseau, Jr; and sixteen siblings.

Martha is survived by her sons: Russell (Larry), wife Linda; Rodney, wife Tammie; Robert (Bob), wife Jennifer, and Richard, wife Sheila; and her only daughter, Robin Loiseau. Grandchildren; Amy, Jessica, Holly and husband Chris, Bradley and wife Amy, Russell, Cierra, Brandi, Alicia and Bethany. Great-grandchildren; Aja, Blake, Corbin, Michael, and Caleb. Martha is also survived by her sister, Marie and husband Louie Hart and many other family members.

Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Norris Religious Fellowship Church officiated by Rev. Dr. Keith Haverkamp. The family will receive friends from 1-3pm, the service will be held at 3pm followed by interment at Norris Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Betty Anne Jolly Norris Community Library, P.O.Box 1110, Norris, TN 37828.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com