Martha Anne Withers

Martha Anne Withers joined her beloved husband, Kent [1910-2000], May 27, 2010. She was born on January 30, 1917 in Morristown, TN to the late Claude and Mary Goodson Rogers. Her grandchildren and many other relatives and friends affectionately called her “Granny Withers”. Martha Anne attended Ward Belmont College in Nashville, TN and the New York School of Interior Decorating. She was a longtime member of St. John’s Cathedral and served as an active community volunteer. Martha Anne was a Board member and supporter of the Helen Ross McNabb Center and worked tirelessly to help establish a support facility for the mentally challenged persons in the Knoxville area. In 2004 the “Martha Anne Withers Friendship House” was established in her honor by the McNabb Center. Due to her love of gardening, Martha Anne was active in the Knoxville chapter of the Garden Club of America. In 1994, she received the Medal of Merit award from the National Club. Her yard was always beautiful and a highlight of the Sequoyah Hills Dogwood Trail. She was also active in the Junior League of Knoxville and the National Society of Colonial Dames in Tennessee. On September 17, 2004, Mayor Bill Haslam of Knoxville and Mayor Michael Ragsdale of Knox County, proclaimed the Martha Anne Withers Day for her community service. On the personal side, Martha Anne always appreciated a good dinner party especially when she was the hostess. She was renowned for her lump crab, poached salmon with white asparagus and Vouvray wine dinners. Martha Anne was married for 61 years to Kent C. Withers of Pittsburg, PA and Wytheville, VA. She and Kent traveled extensively and both spent much time in at Kent’s family home in Wytheville. Martha Anne is survived by two sons, Kent C. Withers, Jr. and Robert E. Withers and his wife, Peggy of Phoenix, AZ; Five grandchildren, Robert R. Withers of Denver, Catherine Boe of Denver, John Rhodes of Phoenix, Taylor Rhodes of San Antonio, Jeremy Rhodes of Phoenix and 10 great grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Lee (“Cissie”) of Knoxville; nieces, Anne Sprouse of Knoxville and Sherri Lee of Knoxville. The family appreciates the Dr. Jack Lacey family, Anne Tousek and the nurses of Little Creek who took care of Martha Anne in her time of need. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Friendship House of Helen Ross McNabb Center, 201 W. Springdale, Knoxville, TN 37917 or the Mr. and Mrs. Kent C. Withers Donor Advised Fund at the East Tennessee Foundation, 550 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902.

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Martha Anne Withers

January 30, 1917 - May 27, 2010