Martha Sanders Staggs-Safley, 84, of Hattiesburg passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, peacefully at her home. Martha was born on January 26, 1942, to Clarence and Ona Sanders in Peyton, MS located in Claiborne County. Martha is preceded in death by the father of her children, James Floyd Staggs of Arkansas and her late husband, Clyde Safely of Pasadena, TX.

She is survived by her children, Julie Pierce (Alton) of Hattiesburg, MS and Jimmy Staggs (Amanda) of Baytown, TX; five grandchildren: Montana Staggs Nunez (Erick) of Opelika, AL, Skylan Pierce of Orange Beach, AL, Colton Pierce of Hattiesburg, MS, James Staggs of Baytown, TX and Madilyn Staggs of Moss Point, MS and one great-grandchild of Opelika, AL.

Martha was one of twelve children; therefore, she valued education greatly. She attended Northeast Louisiana University (NLU) now known as the University Louisiana at Monroe were she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Library Science and History. During this time, Martha was a member of the swim team and the bowling team at the university. Martha spent over forty years in the education system. After graduating, she taught and worked in a variety of school districts in Arkansas, South Louisiana and Mississippi. She later obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education and an Add-On Certification in Mental Retardation from the University of Southern Mississippi. Martha had a special love for working with children with special needs and was one of the first teachers to teach in the Homebound Program on the coast. She spent her last 20 years working at Jackson County Exceptional School teaching children with Down’s Syndrome. She enjoyed volunteering and working with the Special Olympics in her area.

After Katrina and retirement, she moved to Hattiesburg, MS. Martha was a long time member of Eastlawn Baptist Church in Pascagoula. After moving to Hattiesburg, she attended Lincoln Road Baptist Church and visited Venture with her children and grandchildren. Martha was an avid reader and had a great interest in history. She enjoyed watching gameshows and old TV shows. Martha loved going to Gulf Shore and Orange Beach with her grandchildren and attending the family reunion and church services on the beach.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Highland Cemetery located in Hattiesburg, MS.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in honor of Martha Staggs-Safley.

Martha loved the Lord, and she is with him now.

I would like to thank Forrest Funeral Home for the arrangements, Craig Curtis for Service and Toris Smith for Music.