Mrs. Martha Jo Brand Obituary (1945

Mrs. Martha Jo Brand, 78, passed away on December 22, 2023, at North Mississippi Medical Center in West Point. Martha Jo was born on July 10, 1945, in West Point, the daughter of the late John A. and Annie Catherine Hazlewood Jasper. She spent her childhood on the family farm and loved all animals and was a quite a horseman. She married Paul "Bert" Brand on September 5, 1968, in West Point and together they shared over 54 years. He predeceased her on May 17, 2023. She graduated from Mississippi State University in 1967, with a degree in Business Administration. She began her working career with the Mississippi Department of Human Services as a welfare visitor in West Chickasaw County and was quickly promoted to social worker. She later transferred to the Clay County office in 1971, becoming an eligibility worker. She was promoted to Supervisor in 1975 and in 1988, she was named Clay County Director of Human Services. After 45 years of serving the community, she retired on June 30, 2011. She served others all of her life and she loved her family with all of her heart. Her door and heart was always open to anyone in need. Taking care of those in need and her family is how she fulfilled her life and found her greatest joy. In addition to her parents and husband, Martha Jo was preceded in death by a step-son, Robert Brand. Visitation will be Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at Calvert Funeral Home in West Point. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. from Calvert Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Towery officiating. Burial will follow in Palo Alto Cemetery near West Point, MS. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Survivors include her only child, Catherine Lazelle Brand Fitzpatrick (Nelson Lamont) of West Point; two step-sons: Ricky Brand of West Point and Tony Brand (Karen) of Phoenix, AZ; two grandsons; Jordan Roberts of West Point and James Wiley Roberts, Jr. (Morgan) of Mathiston; four great grandchildren: Barrett Paul and Brodi Roberts both of West Point, Jenna Wiley Roberts and Hadley Jade Roberts, both of Mathiston; nine step-grandchildren: Stephany and Megan Brand (Eric) all of Tuscaloosa, AL, Chelsie and Matt Brand both of West Point, Robbie and Michael Brand (Natalie) all of Laurel; James Brand of West Point, and Rebecca Trull (T.C.) of West Point; and Weston Belk of Mathiston; six step-great grandchildren: Addison Bryan of West Point, Cayson Wilkerson of West Point, and Paityn Anne Wilkerson of West Point, Hallie, Madden, and Parker Brand all of Laurel; two sisters, Gertrude Gaskin (Coy) and Cindy Cliett (Andy) all of Cedar Bluff; and Sister-in-Law: Peggy Davis (Grady) of West Point. Pallbearers will be Jordan Roberts, James "J.J." Roberts, Matt Brand, Corey Terry, Cody Brown, John Gaskin, Eric Wilkerson, and Maverick Eaton. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Nurses and Staff of the Intensive Care Unit at North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point, Andy Cliett, and Coy Gaskin. Memorials may be made to Palo Alto Cemetery Care Fund, C/O Jack Elliott, 7376 Highway 47, West Point, MS 39773 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com