Martha Willingham

Martha Willingham, 67, passed away on June 28, 2025, in Kansas City, MO. She was born on February 21, 1958, in Jersey City, NJ, to Ernest Cureton and Lillian Kearse.

She grew up in Jersey City, NJ, and graduated from Lincoln High School c/o ’76’ in Jersey City, NJ.

After high school she furthered her education by attending school to become a licensed/certified phlebotomist.

Martha was also a childcare professional, which she enjoyed wholeheartedly. Martha enjoyed giving to charities and found joy in helping anyone that she could.

She was a faithful member and familiar face at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ; she believed in spreading the word of God and acting upon it.

She married Charles Willingham on December 3, 1982, in Jersey City, NJ. They were married for 16 years.

She was preceded in death by Lillian Cureton (mother), James “Bubba/Brotha” Kearse (uncle), Marthan “Doc” McCormick (aunt), and Corine “Coco” Thomas (aunt).

She is survived by her sons, Omar E. & Matthew M. Willingham; her siblings, Earnestine Smith (Donald), Lawrence “Larry” Cureton (Rosa), and Beverly Henderson (Odell); her grandchildren, Samiyah, Zahara, and Lucas Willingham; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.