Martha Bufford

TAMMS, Ill. -- Martha Marie DeJarnett Mize Bufford, 79, of Tamms left this earthly world for her home in heaven Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at Heartland Medical Center in Marion, Ill., in the presence of her family.

She was born Aug. 1, 1932, in Clinton, Ky., to Claude "Sam" and Sallie Cagle DeJarnett.

Being a devoted Christian, she served several churches in her lifetime. First Baptist Church of Tamms received more than 40 years of faithful service where she served in various positions: youth leader, Sunday school teacher, choir member, song leader, WMU secretary/treasurer, and she lead the monthly birthday celebrations at Tamms Shelter Care.

She also took an active part in the lives of her children, serving on committees, PTA, fundraising for Little League and as a Den mother. After raising her own children, the need to influence young lives continued as she drove a school bus for more than 30 years for the Egyptian School District. She lived a full and wonderful life filled with service to others. She will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her children, Vicki Koehler of Benton, Ky., Arthur Mize Jr. of Carterville, Ill., Christopher Mize of Tamms and Cynthia Knowles of Tamms; a sister, Betty Timm of Bradley, Ill.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Arthur Mize Sr. and Harold Bufford; her parents; a brother, Ezra "Shorty" DeJarnett; four sisters, Willie Jonakin, Lillie Flannery, Catherine Dillworth and Louise McDaniel.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Bob Kirby officiating. Interment will be in Spencer Heights Cemetery in Mounds, Ill.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to First Baptist Church, Tamms, IL 62988, in memory of Martha Bufford.