Rev. Martha Horrell

February 9, 1934 - July 27, 2020

The Rev. Martha Summers Horrell died on Monday, July 27, 2020, at Delmar Gardens of Chesterfield. She was born in Logan, IL., on Feb. 9, 1934, to the late Damon and Lena (Bell) Summers. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, she taught first grade in Rantoul, IL. Soon after, she moved to Florida and sold real estate while raising a family. In 1972, Martha moved to Edwardsville and began selling real estate with her father. Successful in sales, she earned accolades as one of the Top Ten Sales Woman for Equitable Life Insurance. Later in life, she received a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary and became an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church. For 13 years she served churches in Alton, Elsah, Ashley, Waltonville, Shipman, Medora, Donovan, Sheldon, Grafton and Rosedale before retiring in 2003. Martha loved to play the piano and had an eclectic taste in music that included church hymns, ragtime, Preservation Jazz Band, and all types of music. She is survived by a sister, Rev. Ruth Ann Storey (Rev. Walter) of Richmond Heights, MO. Also surviving are three children: Stephen Horrell (Nancy) of Glen Carbon; Rev. Dr. Dana Horrell (Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell) of Oneonta, NY; and Rev. Linda Horrell of Richmond Heights, MO. As well as four grandchildren: Daniel Horrell (Brittany) of Highland, IL; Katie Horrell of Evergreen, CO; Nate Horrell (Rio) of San Francisco CA; and Madeline Horrell of Austin, TX along with five great grandchildren: Bentley, Hensley, Remi, June and Frances. She was Aunt to: Rev. James Barr (Pat) or Bloomington, IN, Denise Szaro (Mark) of Carbondale, IL , Rev. Brian Storey of Frontenac, MO; Paul Storey (Lisa) of Evergreen, CO; Andrea Storey Rogers (Brian) of Pacific MO; Georgeann McCrossan of Louisville, KY; Tani Austin; and Stuart Spencer of Los Angeles, CA. She was a dear friend to Syma Waxman, Ross, and Glynn Powell. Martha’s life will be honored in a private graveside service in mid-September. A memorial service is planned for the spring of 2021.