Martha V. Clapp's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Martha V. Clapp, age 94 of Charleston, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2017 while at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Graveside Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Janesville Cemetery located near Janesville, IL with Pastor Tom Skinner officiating. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the American Kidney Fund or to Carle Hospice. Gifts may be left at the Graveside Service or may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Martha was born April 24, 1923 in Coles County, Illinois, a daughter of the late Willis and Florence (Prince) Hall. She married Audra Austin Clapp and they became the parents of 6 children prior to his death in 1958. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Janice Coartney and husband James of Floyd, Virginia, Robert Clapp of Oklahoma, Julie Linkous of Richmond, Virginia, Melanie Frazier and husband James of Pearisburg, Virgina, Stephanie Hamner and husband Jerry of Charleston, Illinois and Candy Knox and husband Lynn of Olmsted, Illinois; 15 grandchildren, Jeff, Jorge and Jama Coartney, Audra Clapp, Paul and Robert Linkous, Jerry and John Hamner, Martha and Meliza Holdren, Beau Frazier, Kathy and Clayton Bayley, and Charles and Christopher Knox; 16 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Martha is also survived by a wonderful and special friend, Nancy Oakley. In addition to her parents and husband, Martha was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Tammy Hamner and Robert Frazier; a brother, Bill Hall; and 3 sisters, Vera Snider, Marge Newman and Mollie Warman. Martha worked for a time at the Charleston Brown Shoe Company. After receiving her Cosmetology License from the Paris Beauty School in Paris, Illinois she opened Martha's Beauty Shop. Following the death of her husband, as a single mother of six, she provided for her family working 34 years as a beautician. She later furthered her schooling at Lake Land College where she received her Associates Degree and following retirement, Martha remained employed, working part-time for the Green Thumb Organization. Martha didn't have much time for outside activities as being a homemaker and providing for her family was her priority. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge and an avid gardener and quilter. Her interest in sports, especially football, was most likely due to the participation of her son and grandsons on the team. If it was a local high school game or a U of I game that they were a part of - she was sure to be cheering them on as one of their biggest fans. For the past four and one half years Martha has made Lakewood Village her home where she was blessed with wonderful care and new friendships. SERVICES Graveside Service Friday, May 19, 2017 11:00 AM Janesville Cemetery near Janesville, Illinois
What’s your fondest memory of Martha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Martha?
Share a story where Martha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Martha you’ll never forget.
How did Martha make you smile?