DELAWARE — Martha Anne Trimble Jackson, 87, of Los Angeles, California, longtime educator and former Delaware resident passed away Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

She was born on Feb. 3, 1929 to the late Catharine Alvena Birkhead Trimble and Dwight Allen Trimble. She was born 30 minutes after her twin sister, Marie Catharine Trimble Bradby. A year later their brother, Dwight "Sonny" Trimble Jr. was born.

In 1947 Martha graduated from Frank B. Willis High School in Delaware, Ohio, in the top 20 of her class. In 1951 she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. In 1956 Martha received her Master of Arts degree in English from Columbia University in New York City.

She was an English teacher and taught in Mississippi and Missouri. She was 37 years old when she came to California for what was supposed to be just a vacation. However she met Napoleon Jackson on that trip and they married in 1966. She started teaching in Los Angeles in 1967 and would finish her career in California retiring after 45 years. On Oct. 30, 2015 Columbia University inducted Martha into the Grace Dodge Society of the Teachers College.

Martha knew the city of Los Angeles like the back of her hand. Although she did not drive she could navigate to any place she desired without a map. She especially loved a Saturday shopping spree and was proud to continue getting out on her own until her late 70s.

She was an active member of First AME Church of Los Angeles for over 40 years where she served on the Women's Missionary Society. She was a dedicated Christian who loved the Lord and attended church regularly. On Feb. 18, 2007 the church recognized her 28 years of devoted service on the Hostess Committee. Due to her love for fashion many say they never saw her in the same outfit twice at church.

She cherished her friendships including the long lasting ones with Velma Felder, Edna Horn, Kenny Grace, Ruby Norman, Joyce Abernathy, and Myrtle Fryer. Every Monday and Friday she enjoyed socializing with her friends at the Senior Center. Wayne and Earmie Felder held a special place in her heart.

As one with many interests, she was an avid NBA fan and loved the Los Angeles Lakers. She was by nature a generous soul as seen by the many foundations she supported. Traveling kept Martha busy over the years even as far as to Australia. You could find souvenirs proudly displayed in her home.

She leaves to mourn her loss and cherish her memory: niece, Catharine (Bradby) Whitworth; nephews, Allen Bradby and Dwight Allen Trimble Jr.; great-nieces, Marie Whitworth, Stephanie Trimble, Alexis Bradby; great-nephew, Patrick Whitworth; and a host of other relatives, close friends, and former students.

Martha parted this life happy to unite with her mother, father, brother, sister, husband, family and friends that preceded her passing.

Friends may call Tuesday from 11 a.m. until noon at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Drive, (formerly 1510 W. William St.), Delaware, where services will follow at noon with Rev. Madonna Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Worthington.

Memorial contributions can be made to Central State University, P. O. Box 1004, Wilberforce, OH 45384.

Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.