Obituary of Martha K. Anderson

Martha Kelley Anderson, 80, of Haines City, passed away on January 20, 2024.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2:00 PM, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, with funeral services beginning at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Davenport.

Martha was born Martha Bowen in Haines City to Lewis and Leola Bowen in 1943. After Martha’s father was killed in action during World War II, Leola married Ralph Perfitt, who raised Martha as his own. Martha graduated Haines City Senior High School, class of 1961, and earned a BA of Elementary Education at the University of South Florida in 1965. Martha married Michael Kelley of Haines City in 1963. After Michael’s passing in 1994, Martha married Elwin Anderson of Haines City in 2007, who passed in 2009.

Martha was a first-grade teacher for over 36 years, primarily at Dundee Elementary School, until she retired in 2003. Her favorite part in education was teaching little ones to read and introducing them to the world of books. She was actively involved in her church, Little Zion Primitive Baptist Church and also Hebron Primitive Baptist Church. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, reading, and crossword puzzles. She was a warm and steadfast servant of the Lord, and a sunny example of how to live a full and grace-filled life. She was always selflessly taking care of her family and others, and she was a mean cook!

Martha is survived by her children: Leigh Ann Donahue (Pat), Audrey Kelley-Fritz (Rob), Sean Kelley (Jan), and Nicole Kelley-Rose (Shaun); stepchildren: Tonya Pocquette (Joe) and Marshall Anderson (Karen); and her grandchildren: Dylan, Allison, and Meghan Donahue; Holly Fritz;

Rowan and Reece Kelley; Allyriane, Everly, and Rosemary Rose, Kyle Pocquette, Zac Anderson, maternal uncle C.W. “Buck” Bowen, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale, FL.