Martha Wagner

Martha Louise Wagner, 86, of Jackson died Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at Jackson Manor in Jackson.

She was born Dec. 10, 1925, in Jackson to Martin Henry and Bessie Henry Wagner.

Miss Wagner was a graduate of Jackson High School and Southeast Missouri State University. While going to school, she worked at her dad's bakery (Wagner's) in uptown Jackson.

She taught for 34 years in Missouri's public schools, teaching in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., Kennett, Mo., Jackson, and the last 25 years in Kirkwood, Mo.

She was vocal soloist and sang with many choral groups during her high school and college years, as well as in the communities where she taught.

Miss Wagner was especially proud to have sang the contralto solo in Handel's "Messiah" at her church, Webster Hills Methodist. The choir and soloists were accompanied by an organ, harpsichord and a string ensemble, who were members of the church and of the symphony.

After retiring and moving back to Jackson, she joined New McKendree United Methodist Church and was a member of its Wesleyan Circle. She later join the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson. She was also a member of the John Guild Chapter of the DAR and the PEO Chapter DJ. For 13 years she delivered meals for the Senior Center in Jackson.

Martha is survived by nieces and nephews, Jane Wagner of San Diego, Calif., Becky Burns of Memphis, Tenn., Patricia Corcoran of Maplewood, Mo., Mary Farris of Springfield, Mo., Dr. Martin Wagner of Nashville, Tenn., Dr. Bill Wagner of New Mexico; Jean Hacker of Houston, Janet Isbell Mody of Lawrence, Kan., and Margery Isbell Inkeles of New Jersey.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until service time today at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at the funeral home, with Dr. Grant F.C. Gillard and the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating. Burial will be in Jackson City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.