Martha Sirmans, 86, passed away at her home in Tiger in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.
She was born Sep. 20, 1935, in Larkinsville, Ala., to Benjamin and Ruby Harper, and lived her early years in Alabama before moving with her parents to Marietta in 1953. Martha graduated from Marietta High School in 1953. While in high school, she was an outstanding player on the MHS basketball team. In October 1953, she married Allen R. Gann. They had two children together. The family moved to Brunswick, Ga., in 1964, and later to St. Simons Island.
Martha became very active in community affairs while working as secretary of the First Baptist Church on Saint Simons Island and raising her two sons. She was active in garden clubs and the PTA for many years, and also served on the Glynn County Board of Education. She was recognized as the Young Woman of the Year in Glynn County in 1972. Martha later became an entrepreneur and opened two flower shops in Brunswick and Saint Simons Island. In 1976, she married Robert Sirmans and lived in Brunswick until 2000 when she moved to Tiger, Ga., after Robert’s death.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Ruby Harper, her second husband, Robert Sirmans, and a grandson, Bobbie Gann. She is survived by her two sons, Benjamin Allen Gann of Murphy, N.C. and James David Gann and Debra of Monticello Fla., her grandchildren, Benji Gann and Candace of Monticello Fla., Scott Gann and Neila of Tallahassee, Fla., Jamie Gann of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., a greatgrandchild, Willow Grace Gann, and many cousins, neices, nephews, and step children.
Final arrangements for Martha Harper Sirmans are in charge of Habersham Crematory in Cornelia, Ga. Public ceremonies will be announced at a later date.
The Clayton Tribune
February 24, 2022