Martha Jo House

Martha Jo (Mott, Motsey or Granny) House, 88, of Columbus, GA, passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones on February 7, 2025. A visitation will be held at 2:00 pm EST on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 Hwy 431 N., Phenix City, AL 36867 followed by funeral services at 3:00 pm EST. A committal service will be held at 11:00 am EST on February 13, 2025, at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 SR-165, Ft. Mitchell, AL 36856.

Martha was born on October 7, 1936 to Bryant L and Juanita Money Batts in Columbus, GA. It was questionable during labor, if she would survive. God granted her the gift of life and she did not waste it. She was a true testament to her faith. She did not just talk the talk, she walked the walk. She loved God first, and lived her life accordingly. She had been a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and St. Marys Rd United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Smiths Station High School.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She spent her life caring for others and transformed many lives. There was never anyone that crossed her path who does not have a story they can tell you about how she helped them. There was no prerequisite for her assistance. You just had to be a person in need. When they say it takes a village to raise a child, it really only took Mr. and Mrs. House to raise a village. There was never a child that came across her path that she did not feed, hug and tell how great they were. Always having a PB&J and a drink for anyone who needed one. Her Southern “Mott”genuity was second to none! She was brilliant in every way in making something out of nothing.

Martha Jo House is preceded in death by her husband, Polk M House, Jr.; parents, Bryant Batts and Juanita Batts; siblings, Grace Hill, Ruth Mason, Charles Batts, and Lynda Cottom; her daughter-in-law, Carol House; and son-in-law Richard Eller.

Martha is survived by her daughters Tammy Eller and Sharon (Thomas) Kennedy; son Chris (Tina) House; sisters, Mary Kelley and Gayle (Tommy) Henderson; brother Thomas (Carolyn) Batts; grandchildren, Cody (Kaitlyn) Eller, Thomas (Christine) Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy, Jami Noland, Shawn Dykes, Dominique (Lexi) Broadnax, Jacob Cheney, and Jesse Wilson; and great-grandchildren Kaylee Eller, Matthew Eller, River Eller and Cayden Foucher.