Martha Jane Yoakum, age 73, of New Tazewell, Tennessee, passed away on March 13, 2026. Born on December 20, 1952, Martha was a creative, vibrant, and fiercely devoted advocate for justice whose life reflected a deep commitment to service, fairness, and family.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1975 and later received her Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis in 1980. While in law school, she excelled as a member of the Law Review, the Appellate Moot Court Team and Board, and was recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. In 1990, she was elected District Public Defender for Tennessee’s Eighth Judicial District, serving with distinction for twenty-two years until her retirement in December 2012. Throughout her career, she championed the rights of others and earned the lasting respect of her colleagues.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Martha was known for her spirited personality, warmth, and fierce loyalty to those she loved. A creative soul who approached life with determination and authenticity, she was a source of strength and joy to her family. Above all, she took the greatest pride in her role as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Leo Yoakum, and her sister, Glenna Adams. She is survived by her daughter, Eleanor (Ryan) McMurray; her sister, Eleanor (Bill Dunavant) Yoakum; niece Stephanie (Forrest) Conner; nephews Rob (Kelly) Barger and Oliver (Lauren) Adams; grandsons Cameron Marshall and Cade McMurray; great-nieces and nephews Walker, Elizabeth, and Virginia Conner, Mayson and Ellajane Barger, and Ford, Augustus, Cannon, and Whitman Adams; special cousin Tommy Jennings; and many loving friends and cousins.
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