Martha Nell Sanford Dyson died suddenly at her home in Gonzales, Louisiana, on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at the age of 78. She was a native of South Carolina and a former resident of Morgan City and Berwick. Martha was known both locally and nationally for the beautiful African violets she grew and her participation in local, state, regional, and national African violet organizations. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Morgan City, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She passed on her love of travel to her children and grandchildren. Some of their fondest memories include the trips they took with her to Europe, summer family vacations to the beach at Navarre, Florida; trips with grandma and grandpa to Disney World; and a family Alaskan cruise that they took several years ago.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James Allen Dyson, Sr. Her children and their spouses are Mary Lou and Lucien Cutrera of Baton Rouge, Frances and Jim Opitz of New Orleans, James Allen Jr. and Melissa Dyson of Gonzales, and Lynne and Brian LeBlanc of Matthews, North Carolina. Her grandchildren are Vince, Dylan, and Jeffry Cutrera; Shawn Campo, Ashley Campo Souza, and Chloe Broussard; and Brianne and Nicole LeBlanc. She is also survived by six great grandchildren and by her sisters-in-law, Susie Sanford of Morgan City and Lucille Sanford of Stephensville.
Ms. Dyson was preceded in death by her parents: Joe J. and Mary Narcissa Sanford; and two brothers: Joe Gerald Sanford and Thomas Elliot Sanford. Martha's wishes were that she be cremated.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Morgan City on Monday, June 10. Visiting with the family will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 with the service to begin at 11:00. Her ashes will be returned to her childhood home and church at Two Mile Swamp, South Carolina.