MARTHA MAE STAIR ALDERSON
On January 20, 2025, our Mom passed on to the great beyond to join her 11 brothers and sisters. She was the last of that generation of Stairs and was truly a remarkable and wonderful mother, grandmother, and individual.
She was the fifth child born to Harry Leroy and Ora Caroline Stair on October 10, 1922, in Blowing Springs, a small rural community outside of Clinton, TN. Mom was naturally curious and never stopped learning about the world around her. She was a voracious reader, enjoyed all genres of music, and appreciated the works of many of the world's Old Masters and other renowned artists.
Her working life was varied; she worked in Oak Ridge during the war; was a buyer for Lewellyn Millers; textile worker for Magnet Mills until it closed in 1968; and for 30 plus years worked for Mid Lakes Manufacturing Co., fabricating various netting products for commercial and pleasure fishing. She finally retired in 1999.
Mom and husband John, who died in 1982, moved to Norris, TN in 1958, where they raised their family. Mom remained a part of that community until her death. She loved Norris often saying it was the best place in the world to live and a wonderful place to raise children and dogs.
Mom leaves behind her daughter, Lisa Mathes (Gary) of Weaverville, NC and her son John (Kim deRopp) of Norris; grandchildren Amanda Mathes of Knoxville and David Mathes (Rachel Holmes) of Portland, OR. Mourning the loss of their favorite aunt are many nieces and nephews whom she adored and loved dearly.
The family would like to thank the staff at Wellington Manor in Halls and Gentiva Hospice for their support and care of Mom during her final days.
Visitation and services will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 4-6pm at the Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, TN. Donations in Mom's memory may be made to Norris Community Library, Post Office Box 1110, Norris, TN, 37828; flowers will be appreciated and gratefully accepted.