Martha Sue Bailey Adkins

A graveside service was held for Mrs. Martha Sue Bailey Adkins, age 85, at Arlington Cemetery, 464 Hwy 146, Homer, LA, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., and Rev. Brian Thurman, officiated.

Martha Sue was born July 22, 1941, in Dubach, LA, to John W. and Iva Martin Bailey. She entered into peaceful rest on, September 14, 2026, in Bossier City, LA. Martha Sue graduated from Dubach High School in 1959 and Louisiana Tech University in 1963. She devoted the next 34 years to a career she dearly loved-teaching and inspiring children. With patience, compassion and a genuine love for children, she instilled in her students a love of reading and the joy of discovering something new. Most of her teaching years were spent in Morehouse Parish, where she made a lasting impact in the lives of countless students and families.She completed her teaching career in Claiborne Parish, leaving behind a legacy of learning, kindness, and encouragement that continued long after her students left her classroom.

Martha Sue was special to each of us for a number of valid reasons. To some she was a loving mother, to some a trusted friend, to some a wise teacher, and to some a Christian example. To all she exemplified the traits which we value and seek to possess.

The picture of modesty, she took much joy in doing good things for others, when no one else would see. Her life was a tutorial on seeing the needs of others and meeting those needs, while remaining unseen. Often, families who struggled financially at Christmas would see gifts appear. For many children and families, she was proof that there really is a Santa.

Martha valued ambition in her own children and felt a deep calling to instill that same sense of purpose and possibility in every child placed in her care. While the physical life of Martha has ended, the values which she taught will live on and on. Teachers and ministers have the privilege of imparting knowledge which is eternal. Martha embraced that privilege wholeheartedly, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts and lives of many.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jacquiline Holloway.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Jerry Adkins; two daughters, Lori Anderson and husband Jason of Bastrop, LA, and Amy Childress and husband Don of Forney, TX; one sister, Peggy Ward, of Madisonville, LA; four grandchildren, Tinsley Carroll and husband Dylan, Hayden Childress, Jonathan Childress, and Sarah Beth Childress; two great-grandchildren, Dawson and Cameron; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Martha Sue’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Scott Haynes, Dr. Mark Haynes, as well as the nurses and staff at Claiborne Memorial Medical Center, Presbyterian Village and Intensive Specialty Hospital in Bossier City for the care and compassion shown to her and our daddy during our mother’s stays.

In lieu of flowers honoring Mrs. Adkins, her family suggests memorials be made to “I Love My Church” fund, First Baptist Church, 406 West Main Street, Homer, LA, 71040.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110