Martha Ellen (Fountain) Horne

Mrs. Martha Ellen Fountain Horne, age 83, of the Tarrytown community, passed away on November 20, 2024. She is survived by her three children, Sonya Horne Patterson (and David) of North Carolina, Keith Horne (and Lindy) of Vidalia and Karen Horne Outler (and Glen) of Vidalia and six grandchildren, Travis Coxwell, Andrew Horne, Sarah Coxwell Harris (and Zac), Margaret Patterson Tanner (and Jeffrey), Kevin Horne and Olivia Patterson and two great-grandchildren, Harper and Huxley Harris and one sister, Joy Fountain Collins of Lyons. Mrs. Horne was predeceased by her husband of over 63 years, James Horne. She was also predeceased by her parents, Eschol and Frances Fountain and brother, E.F. Fountain, of the Vidalia area.  

Mrs. Horne graduated from Montgomery County High School in 1958 and was co-captain of the Lady Rebelettes’ 1958 State Champion basketball team and she was voted “Wittiest” by her senior classmates.  After graduation, she trained as a hairdresser and graduated from the Beauty School in Savannah.  She later owned and operated her own salons for 25 years; those years were filled with pin curls, teasing, hairspray, perms, and 10+ hour workdays.  After retiring from hairdressing, she started a successful gift and antique shop, Country Lane, in downtown Vidalia. She enjoyed meeting new people and being a part of the revitalization of downtown Vidalia. She owned and operated Country Lane for 10 years. 

Mrs. Horne was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Lyons.  She held many mission and committee roles over the fifty plus years of her membership and service. She was most proud of her outreach work leading the church Bereavement Committee, the Clothes Closet, her Circle Group community service and the many years she taught Sunday School. Additionally, she enjoyed many years of outreach at Bethany Assisted Living where she led weekly devotional fellowship gatherings for the residents. For many years, she lovingly and anonymously procured and delivered personal items and clothing needed by residents at area nursing homes. 

After living in Toombs County for many years, she and James returned to his home place in Tarrytown to live on his family’s farm.  Mrs. Horne enjoyed visits with family, Bible study, entertaining friends, floral arranging and returning to the quiet life in the country. She was known by family and friends alike for her buttermilk biscuits, thin, lacy cornbread, chicken and dumplings, and pound cakes. She believed in working hard and sharing what she had with others.

A special word of appreciation to our Mother’s personal sitter team, Arlene Jones, Martha Benjamin, Belinda Harvey, Shirley Carter and Rose Martin who showered her with love and attentive care. Each of you will always hold a special place in our family’s heart. We also thank the staff of the Oaks at Bethany Assisted Living, Meadows Park and Affinis Hospice. To those who knew and loved our mother, she appreciated your friendship and we appreciated the many kindnesses you showered upon her.

The family will receive friends at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, from 1:00 until just prior to the funeral service at 2:00 with Reverend Dannie Williams officiating.  Burial will follow at Phillips Family Cemetery in Montgomery County.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Rachel’s House, P. O. Box 2057, Vidalia, GA 30475 or the First Baptist Church of Lyons, 144 South Washington Street, Lyons, GA  30436. 

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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