Martha Mae Stair Alderson
On Jan. 20, 2025, our Mom, Martha Mae Stair Alderson, 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.
Born Oct. 10, 1922, in Blowing Springs, a rural community near Clinton, Tennessee, she was the fifth child of Harry Leroy and Ora Caroline Stair.
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 professional life was varied. During World War II, she worked in Oak Ridge. She was a buyer for Lewellyn Millers, a textile worker for Magnet Mills until its closure in 1968, and for more than 30 years was employed by Mid Lakes Manufacturing Co., where she fabricated netting products for commercial and recreational fishing. She retired in 1999.
She and her husband, John, who died in 1982, moved to Norris in 1958, where they raised their family. She remained in the community until her death. She loved Norris and often described it as “the best place in the world to live and a wonderful place to raise children and dogs.”
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Mathes (Gary) of Weaverville, N.C.; her son, John (Kim deRopp) of Norris; and her grandchildren, Amanda Mathes of Knoxville, and David Mathes (Rachel Holmes) of Portland, Ore. She is also mourned by many nieces and nephews, who will remember her as their favorite aunt. She adored and loved them dearly.
The family would like to thank the staff at Wellington Manor in Halls and Gentiva Hospice for their support and care of Mom in her final days.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
Memorial donations may be made to Norris Community Library, P.O. Box 1110, Norris, TN 37828. Flowers will be appreciated and gratefully accepted.
