Martha Ann Talley Hand, a true pioneer of early 20th century San Antonio, died peacefully Wednesday, July 17, 2018 of natural causes with family present. She was 97 years old and had been in failing health since October 2017.
Born on September 2, 1920 to Curg and Bessie Mansfield Talley, she grew up as a real country girl in Northwest San Antonio, when there was not much out there but open range. Her parents came to this part of the country in the 1800’s and purchased 6,000 acres of land for 50 cents an acre. Their property stretched all the way from what is now Highway 90 up to Talley Road. She rode her pony to a one room school house, across a shaky, worn, wooden bridge of questionable strength, across Medio Creek.
Martha graduated from Brackenridge High School. Early in World War II, she served the war effort by enlisting in the U. S. Army. She served the duration of that conflict in the Special WAC Detachment 9812nd Training Service Unit, achieving the rank of Tec 3.
After completing her military service, she attended Trinity College on the GI Bill. On March 22, 1952, she married Robert W. Hand. Robert passed away on July 13, 1989. She graduated from college and worked as a legal secretary and an insurance secretary.
Martha was a founding member of Talley Road Baptist Church and was also instrumental in the inception and support of the Geronimo Village Volunteer Fire Department. She was an active supporter of innumerable community projects for the betterment of its citizens.
Martha Ann Hand will be sorely missed by her family and her numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son, Paul Hand.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert H. and Jo Ann Hand, David A. and Patricia Hand; grandsons, Robert A. Hand, Spencer T. (Allison) Hand, Gary (Fonda) Hand, Robby (Alison) Hand; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was Friday, July 20, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. The Funeral Service was Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 10:00 am at Talley Road Baptist Church. Interment followed at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Helotes with military honors. Memorials may be made in Martha’s memory to Talley Road Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.