Mrs. Martha Ann Carter, nee Rigney, was born in Liberty, Casey County, Kentucky, February 1, 1843, and was the youngest and last survivor of a family of 6 children.  At the age of 14 she became one of the charter members of the Church of Christ in Liberty and was a consistent Christian until the day of her death.
In May 1863, she was married to John L. Carter, with whom she lived as faithful helpmate 61 years, going through the trying days of reconstruction after the Civil War.
In 1876 they moved to Texas, making their home near Van Alstyne at old Mantua.  After living there 15 years, they moved to Whitewright and a few years later to Savoy, which place was her home until July 5th, 1923 when the loyal husband answered roll-call in the skies.
Since the time of his death, from which she never seemed to rally, she made her home, except for short intervals with her daughter, Mrs. Wm. Stinnett of this city.
Rarely devoted as wife and mother and a faithful friend, it is no small wonder that her going leaves a vacancy that can never be filled in the hearts of those who loved her. 

What more could be said,
What greater words of eloquence used,
That would express more beautifully the character of her,
Than the simple words so often spoken by her friends,
"She was a good woman."

Of sturdy, pioneer stock she was strong and brave of spirit though frail of body, until her release came January 30, 1924.
We cannot wish her back when we picture the unutterable joy and beauty that must have been that meeting when her tired spirit was reunited with those of husband and children gone before.  Of the 7 children that were hers, 4 remain to mourn her loss, i.e. Mrs. Will Stinnett of Van Alstyne; Mrs. Jno. Sweeney of Savoy; Mrs. George Cullers of Slaton, Texas; and Mrs. W.P. Carter of Savoy.
After a brief word of prayer and song the remains were carried by highway to Savoy, where for a few minutes the body remained in the home of Mrs. Jno. Sweeney, a daughter, who because of recent severe illness, was unable to leave her home.  Here a few fitting remarks much appreciated by the family were made by Mr. J.D.L. McKinney of Van Alstyne.  After which the cortege proceeded and the funeral proper was conducted in the Church of Christ.
A fitting tribute to what her life has been was seen in the presence of 250 school children who with other friends packed the little church to its doors.
After a very tender and simple service spoken by her pastor and life-time friend, Rev. Frank Young of Paris, she was laid
to rest under a mound of flowers in the Bells cemetery.
Those attending from here and from other places were as follows:  Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stinnett; Mr. and Mrs. Orr Stinnett; Guy Stinnett; Mrs. Sarah Stinnett; Mrs. Rus Lindsey; Miss Lillian Lindsey; Mrs. Jim Stinnett; Mrs. Jim Stinnett; Mrs. Anne Clipper; Doc McKinney; Lyman Umphress; Charlie Carter of Van Alstyne; Mrs. Dow Rattan, Anna; Mrs. Del Mason, Dallas; Mrs. Horace Melton; Mrs. Fannie Davis; Vincent Davis; Fred Rigney; Bob Rigney; Mrs. Alice Scales; Mrs. Del Crabb; Will Crabb; Miss Lucille Crabb, Leonard.  Those from Savoy attending the service were: Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Carter, Miss Ina Carter, Miss Ruth Carter, J.D. Carter, Mrs. Leslie Sweeney, Mr. and Mrs. Perry ?all, Mr. and Mrs. Lark Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Till Baldwin, Miss Maurine Wright, Mr. and Mrs. McLemore, Mr. League.