Martha Jean Kierre

Martha Jean (Hedgecock) Kierre left this earthly life February 7, 2025. Martha was born on February 28, 1936, to George and Katherine (Thornton) Hedgecock. She married Lee Kierre on December 27, 1954, and the couple had four children, son Tony Kierre, and daughters Becky Kierre Crosland, Dicy Kierre Bennett, and Julie Kierre and husband John Chaney. 

Lee and Martha opened and operated multiple businesses together. An accomplished businesswoman, Martha was likely most well- known as the face of Kierre's Kountry Kitchen- and its heart. Many of her personal recipes became crowd favorites and visitors quickly became regulars in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere she helped create. But it was her family that was the center of her life. This was evident in the way she made each of her children feel that they were her favorite. Later in life, she handled near-total hearing loss with strength and grace, always keeping her sense of humor. Even throughout the significant health struggles she faced near the end of her life, she kept her same sweet spirit and found joy in spending peaceful hours at her home, building Jigsaw puzzles and being with her family.

Martha is preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her children, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, her brother, Pat Hedgecock and his wife, Jan, and her sister, Betty Reader. 

A private memorial for the family will be held at a later date.