Martha Walker Norton, age 97, affectionately known as MaMa, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025 at Blackshear Villa. Born on March 9, 1928, to the late William Dewey and Lutie Idell Walker.

Martha was a native of Cuthbert, Georgia, having made Cordele her home for the past sixty years.  She was a former member of the Dawson Methodist Church and a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Martha and Mercer Norton were married in a "double ring ceremony" with their best friends, Margaret and Bobby Ross on April 12, 1947.  Martha never knew how many people would be invited to sit at her table for a meal because PaPa would always bring one, two or maybe ten people home with him.  Somehow there was always enough food and a lot of fun, fellowship, and love shared around the table.  Martha loved cooking and caring for the love of her life, Mercer until his death in 1997, at which time they had just celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

In addition, she was preceded in death by five brothers, William Walker, Harold Walker, Robert Walker and Foy and Roy Walker; two sisters, Joyce Sieg and Jeanette Dickens. Martha leaves behind her son, William "Billy" Norton, her grandson, Kelly Norton (who was the apple of her eye), his wife Stephanie and their children, Rosario, Zoe, and Ali of Surf City, N.C.  Her daughter-in-love, Susan Leger-Boike and her husband Mark of Cordele. She also leaves her siblings, Dr. Dianne Walker, High Springs, FL and Joan Pearson, Cuthbert, GA, Larry Walker of Cuthbert, GA as well as many nieces and nephews.

Martha lived a full life where her greatest joy was in spending time with her siblings, her son, grandson and great-grandchildren. The "Walker Sisters," of which Martha was the oldest, had a special bond. They would have their own reunions; brothers not invited. The sisters spent numerous times together over the years making lasting memories, loving each other and always being there for each other. They all brought her so much love and joy and she brought them even more! Family gatherings were some of her happiest moments whether it was with a few or fifty.  Her sense of humor was unforgettable and her love for her family leaves a lasting legacy.

Martha loved living at Blackshear Villa and referred to it as home and the staff and other residents as her family.  She was fortunate to have the love and care of not only the staff but the other residents as well. The family will always be eternally grateful for the love shown over the past two years. In addition, the family would also like to thank Crisp Regional Hospice for their love and care over the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Blackshear Villa or Crisp Regional Hospice.