MARTHA BELLE MOODY, Age 68, a resident of Charleston, at 11:50 a.m., Friday, January 15, 2010 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Born March 3, 1941 at Cape Girardeau, MO, to the late Thomas Harold and Helen Beatrice Davenport Moody, she had lived in Charleston her entire life. Following her graduation from High School, she was employed as a secretary in the Law Office of Warren E. Hearnes and continued with him at Jefferson City as he became Secretary of State and then Governor. She returned to Charleston where was employed as the secretary at Friedman's Department Store before beginning at 38 year career with the Charleston R-1 School District, serving first as secretary at Charleston High School and then as the Secretary to the Board of Education, until ill health forced her retirement. A lifelong member of the Church of The Nazarene in Charleston, she had served the church in many capacities including as Church Secretary, organist, Sunday school director, Sunday school teacher and also Vacation Bible School Director and Teacher. Following the closing of the Church of the Nazarene, she attended the First Baptist Church in Charleston and was a member of the choir. She was a member and soloist with the Charleston Community Choir, was a member and past president of the Katherine Boone Music Club having studied voice with Miss Katherine Boone as a young lady.

Surviving are: one son, Anthony Moody of Charleston; four grandchildren, Caitlin, Lee-Thomas, Lane Walker and Michael. Also a large extended family and host of friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 18, 2010 at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Mike McKinney, pastor of Southside Baptist Church of Charleston, will officiate. Betty C. Hearnes of Charleston will offer a Eulogy.

Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com