MARTHA JANE JACKSON EVANS, age 52, a resident of Sikeston, died Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Daughter of Robert "Bob" and Jane Russell Jackson who survive of Charleston, she was born on December 20, 1962 in Cape Girardeau.

Martha Jane grew up in Charleston where she was a member of the United Methodist Church. A 1981 graduate of Charleston High School, she received distinction as the class clown while in 6th grade. Her recognition as one who was always the prankster, entertainer, and instigator remained true throughout her life. She had a strong personality that continually demonstrated her special gift in making and keeping friends of all ages, and from all walks of life. Though plagued with a serious medical condition since age 5, she never allowed it to hinder obtaining her goals. Graduating in 1985 from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, she moved to Salem and began her teaching career in the Bunker Hill school system.

She was the recipient of her first kidney transplant in October of 1986 and soon returned to her teaching career in St. Clair. She obtained a Master degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State University and moved to Sikeston in 1989 where she taught first at Richland, then in the Sikeston School District at Morehouse. During that time she received certification as a Reading and Library Specialist.

In 2000, she was selected as a candidate for an experimental kidney transplant procedure at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where they transplanted an unmatched kidney, her husband's. Of the 150 similar procedures performed she was one of four recipients who survived with long term success and returned to positions held prior to her surgery. She retired from teaching in 2011 and in 2014 her condition declined, required dialysis, and removal of that transplanted kidney.

Growing up in her family's business of raising Brangus Cattle, Martha Jane won competitions showing their cattle at the Missouri State Fair. She also loved domestic animals and her home never lacked dogs and cats. She shared many talents that benefitted her students, friends, and family. One special craft she particularly enjoyed was ornament making. Her family will always treasure the ornaments they received as Christmas gifts that depicted their individual personalities.

On April 18, 1998 she married Phillip Terry Evans who preceded her in death on February 23, 2012.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by one son, Robin (Gabby) Evans of Freemont, IA; three daughters, Lisa (Shay) Borders, Leslie Evans Hedge, and Leah (Francisco) Tartabini all of Cape Girardeau; one brother, Robert (Jenneth) Jackson of Charleston; one nephew and his fiancé, Matt Jackson and Vanessa Ayers of Charleston; her father in law, Woody Evans of Orange Beach, AL; one brother in law, David (Cindy) Evans of Orange Beach, AL; eight grandchildren, Ashley (Bryan) Alden, Andy Evans, Justin (Jade) Evans, Gluoria Tartabini, Hanna Borders, Cameron Borders, Chayton Borders, and Trey Hedge; three great grandchildren; and her dear friend, Becky Hopper of Sikeston.

She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Thomas and Frances Lovelace Russell, and Marshall and Martha Burke Jackson; and her mother in law, Sue Evans.


Visitation will begin at 9:00 am on Monday, October 12, 2015, at the United Methodist Church in Charleston where Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am. Rev. David Collum, pastor of the United Methodist Church in Charleston, and Rev. Roger Jesperson of Cape Girardeau will officiate.


Interment will follow in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Martha's cousins, Evin Burke, Taylor Burke, John David Moore, Stephen Burke, and Ryan Logan, and Teddy Slaten.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of her 1981 Charleston High School graduating class.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Sikeston Humane Society, 1900 Compress Road, Sikeston, MO 63801; United Methodist Church, PO Box 351, Charleston, MO 63834 or charity of the donor's choice.