Martha Neel Clinard

Martha Nell Jones Clinard, lovingly known as “Granny,” was born on June 9, 1933, in Nashville, Tennessee, and passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was a woman of strength, style, and unwavering love for her family—an anchor whose presence will be felt for generations.

She was born to Dolly Mae Dillard and Farmer Wilson “Jack” Jones and grew up surrounded by family, values, and a deep sense of loyalty that defined her life. Martha married William Edward Clinard, and though they later divorced, their bond endured. They remained good friends for more than 30 years, until his passing in 2009—a testament to her grace and capacity for forgiveness.

Martha was preceded in death by her siblings Jady Lee Jones, Jackie Mae Jones Cobb, and Wallace Edward Jones.

She is survived by her loving siblings Robert Wayne “Bobby” Jones (Margaret), Mary Ellen Jones Gibbs, and Linda Faye Jones Clinard.

She leaves behind her greatest pride and joy—her children: William Edward “Eddie” Clinard Jr., John Wilson “Johnny” Clinard, Jady Robert Clinard, Kimberly Ann Duffer (Buddy), and Thomas Morris “Tommy” Clinard.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: William Edward “Trey” Clinard (Jamie), John Michael Clinard (Karen), Jodi Faye Ballard (Todd), Clifford Adam Clinard (Amber), Thomas Justin “TJ” Clinard, Jada Marie Dowlen (James), and Anthony Morris Clinard (Jordann), along with 12 great-grandchildren and one cherished great-great-granddaughter.

Martha dedicated 37 years of her life to Hinkle Chair Company, where she worked so long and so well that her family often joked she could run the place in her sleep. After retiring, she continued serving others for 12 more years at the front desk of a Family Practice doctor’s office, where patients quickly grew to love her warm smile, sharp mind, and caring spirit.

Granny was known for her impeccable sense of style—always wearing scarves, cardigans, and dressing “to the hip” no matter the occasion. Pearls were her signature; most days you could find a string of them resting proudly around her neck. She loved sweet tea on the patio—sweet enough, as the family says, for the hummingbirds—and she delighted in watching and feeding birds, making sure they were cared for even when she no longer could fill the feeders herself.

She enjoyed seasonal Hallmark movies and held onto a treasured collection of old VHS tapes from when her grandchildren were young. She was a devoted Tennessee Titans fan, especially during the Jeff Fisher years—largely because she thought he was handsome. Many family vacations in the 1970s and 1980s were spent at White Oak Camping near Erin, Tennessee, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Martha loved eating out with family, traveling when she could, and especially treasured beach trips with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her favorite joys was attending her great-granddaughter’s pageants, cheering her on with pride and enthusiasm. Most recently, one of her greatest joys was loving on her dog, Willow, who brought her so much joy and company in the past year.

Above all else, Martha loved her children and grandchildren fiercely. In her eyes, they were always right—even when they were clearly wrong—and she would fight for them without hesitation. She was the epitome of a mother’s love: protective, loyal, unconditional, and endless.

Though she has left this world, the love, lessons, and strength she poured into her family will live on forever. Granny will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A Life celebration will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 12pm with Rev. Diane Copeland in the Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10am until the time of service. Entombment will follow in the Garden Mausoleum in Springfield Memorial Gardens. Online condolences can be sent care of Springfield Funeral Home at www.SpringfieldFH.com

These arrangements were entrusted to Springfield Memorial Gardens, Funeral Home and Cremation Center: 4005 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172.