Martha Christine Dannelley

Martha Christine'Chris' Appleton Dannelley was lifted up into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 4, 2012. She is re-united in Heaven with her true love, Robert Alvie 'Danny' Dannelley, Jr., and her precious daughter, Alta Beth, who left us far too soon. She was ten days shy of her 89th birthday. Chris was born on April 14, 1923, in the Concord community, near Milan, Tennessee. She was the fourth of ten children, blessed to the union of James Roy Appleton, Sr. and Alta Mary Johnson Appleton. Her formative yers were spent of a farm, in the cotton fields, and helping with her many young siblings. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1941. She matriculated at Union University, during the frenzied war years, graduating in 1945, with a B.S. degree in biology. Chris left the red clay of West Temmessee, to embark on her life's adventure, and ended up in the dusty little South Texas town of Falfurrias, some thousand miles from home. She secured a teaching position in Falfurrias, and would spend the next thirty-five years, engaging the young minds of her students, encouraging them to dream and succeed. In her tenure there, she inspired many a young doctor, scientist, and educator. She was a consummate professional and truly loved her students. She met and married her soul mate, Danny, on August 8, 1948. He was a strapping young giant, with arms of steel. They had a wonderful life together, raising their family in Falfurrias, before retiring, and spending their golden years in the beautiful East Texas town of Gladewater. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Margaret 'Peg' Lay, and husband James 'Tooter'; her son, Robert Alvie Dannelley III; and her granddaughter, Christy Studdard, and husband Robby; and her beautiful young great-grandson, 'Trace.' Also left to rejoice in her life are six of her siblings. She came from strong Tennessee stock, and all have been blessed with long life. No formal service or visitation are planned. Graveside services will be held in Elgin, Texas. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, she asks that donations be made to local Meals on Wheels, if so desired. This is a wonderful service for old folks. Gone, but never, ever, forgotten. "Lest We Forget"