Martha John Allison, Frazer’s Minister to Older Adults, a joyful and dedicated servant of Jesus Christ, went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2021. Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church honors Martha John for her faithful service to “God’s older children,” as she called them, for over 34 years. We celebrate the assurance of her presence with the Lord as we await our eternal reunion at the final resurrection.
Born in Phenix City, Alabama in 1939, Martha John attended Auburn University and married Col. William “Bill” Allison in 1961. Their two daughters are M. Alisa Allison and Yancey Jane Allison. As an army family, she and Bill shared in service to our nation in various places before settling in Montgomery, and love for Country remained a key theme of her life’s work.
At Frazer, Martha John saw an opportunity to reflect the love of God by meeting the needs of Older Adults. Beginning as a volunteer, she soon became a part-time and then a full-time member of the church staff. Martha John enlisted hundreds of volunteers to carry out a variety of programs and events, from Bible Studies to game days, painting classes to special choirs, travel opportunities to exercise classes. Under her leadership, the ministry grew from a small group of individuals to a robust family regularly reaching over a thousand people.
In true Frazer fashion, Martha John’s ministry extended beyond the walls of the church into the community. She was the driving force behind the development of volunteer programs and ministries at the Wesley Gardens Assisted Living Community, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the establishment of a Life Enrichment Center. Her concern also extended to the poorest in our city through her and Bill’s support of the Salvation Army. Here again, she not only did ministry herself but also engaged others in using their time and talents to serve. The Allison’s organized the largest group of bellringers for the Salvation Army in the area, and Martha John organized and produced “Branson”-style programs that raised tens of thousands of dollars for both Wesley Gardens and the Salvation Army.
Known for her joyful spirit, Martha John lit up the room with her vivacious personality, and she made full use of her gifts to share the joy of the Lord with others. However, she was just as dedicated to serving behind the scenes, investing countless hours checking on people by phone, visiting those who were sick or grieving, and showing kindness in every possible way. She cared deeply for people and modeled the love of Christ in action every day.
A memorial service was held at Frazer on July 12, which can also be viewed on the church’s Facebook or YouTube page. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Wesley Gardens Life Enrichment Fund, 1555 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL, 36117 to continue her life’s work.
Martha John was a shining example of a life filled with the love of God and overflowing with love for others. No doubt her greatest honor will be the affirmation of Christ, “well done, good and faithful servant,” and her reward the many lives changed for eternity by her selfless life of service.