Martha Leah McAllister passed away peacefully at the age of 94.

Born on September 24, 1931 in Taft, Florida, Martha lived a long and fulfilling life defined by devotion to family and enduring friendship. She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville and later attended Florida Junior College, now Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Martha spent much of her life in Jacksonville, Florida where she raised her family. She worked as a legal secretary with a Jacksonville law firm, from which she eventually retired. Known for her professionalism, kindness and attention to detail, she earned the respect and friendship of many.

Martha was first married to Moses M. Bowden, with whom she had two children, Deborah Walsh and Marshall Bowden. Her second marriage was to William Tilton who passed away unexpectedly.

She later married John "Jake" McAllister, a classmate from her high school days. Their friendship blossomed into a romance, and after five years of dating, they became engaged and married.

Together, Martha and Jake embraced retirement with enthusiasm. They purchased an RV and traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Alaska, creating many memories. Later, they settled in Summerfield, Florida where Jake introduced Martha to golf. She quickly grew to love the game and especially cherished the friendships she made through the Ladies 9-Hole Golf League.

Martha learned to play tennis while living in Jacksonville and maintained a lifelong appreciation for the game. She also enjoyed following professional golf and treasured the memory of attending The Players Championship at Sawgrass.

Martha will be remembered for her warmth, grace, independence, sense of humor and genuine interest in others. She loved spending time with family and friends and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and valued. Her life was enriched by meaningful relationships and cherished memories.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Walsh (Lee) and Marshall Bowden (Dan); her sisters, Peggy Donoghue and Louretta Mugge; her stepchildren, Sheila McAllister and Stacy Dalton; as well as grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members whose lives were touched by her kindness and friendship.

Martha's legacy of love, resilience and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.