Martha Ora Hosea

Martha Ora Hosea, 85, of Pollard, passed away Monday, January 11, 2010, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

She was born June 7, 1924, at Carryville, Ark., the twin daughter of the late Clarence Oran and Pearl Cleadith (Washburn) Doty.

She married Bernard "Clayton" Hosea Sept. 23, 1939, at Caruthersville, Mo. To this union eight children were born. After working many years on their farm at Fagus, Mo., in cotton fields in the surrounding areas and at Brown Shoe Company in Piggott, she retired from Doctors Regional Medical Center at Poplar Bluff, in 1986.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Clayton Hosea in 1992; four infant children, Frances June, Bernard Larry and twins Barbara May and Shirley Fay; brothers, Charles Doty and Daniel "Ozias" Doty; twin sister, Sarah Cora Schrader; half brother, Herbert Doty; half sister, Arabell French McKenney; infant grandson, Travis Hosea, and infant great-granddaughter, Cassandra Hosea.

Survivors include four children, Randell Hosea and wife Hazel of Florissant, Mo., Terry Hosea and wife Deborah of Millington, Mich., Charles Hosea and wife Sue of Pollard and Teresa Elkins and husband Shelly of Pollard; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; sisters, Mabel Hamilton of Fagus, Mo., and Helen Schrader of Campbell, Mo., and will be missed by many other relatives and friends.

She was a longtime member of Fagus General Baptist Church of Fagus, Mo., and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Pollard until going home. She is remembered as "faithful wife," "loving mother," "faithful Christian," caring friend" and "wonderful cook."

Funeral services are set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, in Hoggard and Sons Chapel with Shelly Elkins officiating. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13 at the funeral home.

Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott is in charge of arrangements.

Those wishing to sign the online guestbook may do so at www.hoggardfuneralhome.com