Martha Harp
June 16, 1939 ~ August 4, 2022
Martha Messner Harp of Linden, Texas went to be with her Jesus on August 4, 2022, after 83 blessed years on earth. Martha lived with a heart and mind toward Heaven. This world was never her home. “For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.” (Hebrews 13:14)
Martha was born on June 16, 1939, in Tucson, Arizona to Milton and Christine Messner. When she was 9 years old, the family relocated to Guntown, Mississippi, where she spent her childhood growing up with her two younger brothers, Peter and Joseph.
Martha graduated from Blue Mountain College in Mississippi and trained as a nurse in Jackson, Mississippi where she met her husband, Jerry. Martha and Jerry were married for 57 years. She worked as an RN at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and Linden Municipal Hospital before serving 26 years at Linden-Kildare ISD as school nurse.
Martha was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Linden, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She served on medical mission trips to Romania and Guatemala and faithfully volunteered at the Enon Baptist Ministry Center and prison ministries for many years. She loved Jesus, family, gardening, raising farm animals, caring for her dogs, sewing clothes, dolls, sock monkeys and quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great nephews and nieces.
Martha was not of this world, but she was also not of this century. Before organic, earth-friendly, and healthy were trendy, Martha raised honeybees, made soap, baked bread, chopped firewood, line-drying clothes, recycled, and tanned leather.
Martha lived the scripture Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” There was never a stray dog or person who crossed her path that was not graciously welcomed into her home, and there were many of both.
Martha was proceeded in death by her parents, Milton and Christine Messner; her brothers, Peter Messner and Joseph Messner; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Aslin.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry; son, Michael Harp and wife Laurie; son, Dennis Harp and wife Amanda; daughter, Katherine Harp; and daughter, Teresa Turner; along with her nine grandchildren, Aaron Harp and wife Sydney, Andrew Harp and fiancé Macey, Aubree Harp, Blazyn Saxon, Matayea Beaird, AnnaLi Harp, Montana Whatley and husband Caleb, Josephine Turner, and Jeremiah Turner; and great-grandson, Joseph Harp; brother-in-law, Butch Aslin and wife Cynthia; and five beloved nephews, Buddy Aslin and wife Charlotte, Trevor Aslin and wife Jennifer, Brett Aslin and wife Carolyn, Andrew Aslin and wife Sissy, John Aslin and wife Kendra; and many beloved grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
One of Martha’s favorite Bible versus was “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Linden. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.
Martha supported many charities during her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to some of her favorites: Samaritan’s Purse, Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter, World Vision, and animal rescues.
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Our prayers are with your entire family. I was always amazed by the pictures of her quilts that Kathy showed me. Rest peacefully with the Lord and enjoy your restored body in His everlasting kingdom.
My condolences to the family.
Many prayers being lifted for the family.
So sorry to hear this sweet neighbor
Martha was an important part of my growing up in the Lord. She was my Sunday School teacher and I have many fond memories of that time. We would come to her house after school to Sunday School parties where she always had homemade bread waiting for us. She was precious to me. God bless Jerry, her children and all who love her. She is home now.
Mrs. Harp was such an influence in my life growing up in linden. She taught my Sunday School class a couple years and she was an inspiration to all ‘her girls!’ She will be truly missed, but she is in her happy place now- in the hands of God.
Mrs. MARTHA was fixture in my life growing up. Not just a school nurse. She always had a friendly word and a kind smile. She will be remembered fondly.
Prayers to the family.
I know Wanda and Daddy are rejoicing with her. Wanda often spoke of Martha as if she was a candidate for sainthood! A good a faithful servant. Job well done and now her reward in heaven. Praying for your tremendous loss. She is present with the Lord..
Amazing lady.Was my teacher.Love and prayers are with Jerry and your family.Now you are home RIP
Praying for the family. I enjoyed working with her for many years. A wonderful and caring lady.