Martha Lee Gay

Martha Lee Gay, 78, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016, at her residence. She was born March 26, 1938, in Laurel, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Allen Jones and Hattie Tolson. She was united in marriage on May 6, 1962, in Laurel, Miss. to Earl Gay, Jr. who preceded her in death on April 26, 1997. Martha worked as a nurses assistant with St. Mary's Hospital for over 36 years retiring in 2003. One of Martha's greatest joys was helping others. She served as a mentor to many new nurses and was a patient advocate. During her career at St. Mary's, Martha was recognized twice as employee of the month and once as employee of the year. She was a member of St. Paul Methodist Church in New Bloomfield. She was a woman of strong Christian faith and a lover of angels. Martha's greatest joy was being a mother and caring for her family. In her spare time she enjoyed knitting and cooking. Survivors include her son, Ellis (Ann) McSwain, Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Brandi McSwain, Virginia Beach, Chloe (Mark) Asbell, Hollywood, Florida, Amanda and Matthew McSwain, Jefferson City; one great-grandchild, Princeton Asbell; and one brother, Fred (Olarue) Jones, Cincinnati, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Doris McSwain; a son, Greg McSwain; four sisters; and one brother. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 noon Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 12 noon Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with Dr. Arnold Parks officiating. Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary's Hospital Foundation Nursing Scholarships, 2505 Mission Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.