Martha Cosby Carmichael died at home in Selma, AL on October 9, 2011. She was born December 2, 1916, in Selma, AL to C. Pierson Cosby and Annie Bradford Cosby. She was a graduate from Selma High School, Lipscomb College and Peabody University both in Nashville, TN.

Before her marriage to H. Kendrick Carmichael in 1942 she enjoyed a career as a physical education teacher in Gordo, AL and as recreation director for WPA in Sylacauga, AL. Returning to Selma after WWII she and Ken established their home and began raising their five children. She dedicated her time, energy, training and giftings towards leadership positions in organizations that would benefit not only her children but those of the broader community of Selma and state of Alabama. This was carried out as she lead in PTA positions and as she served in all leadership capacities in South Central Alabama Girl Scouts Council as well as member of the State Girl Scout Board of directors.

As a business woman her  abilities were used as co-owner of Cosby-Carmichael Inc., co-owner-manager of Cosby Rental and co-owner of House Next Door Antiques all of Selma. Always showing her interest in improving and benefitting Selma’s Historical District, she purchased and restored several homes in Old Town area.

Mrs. Carmichael was a lifelong member of Selma Avenue/ Houston Park Church of Christ as a dedicated teacher her influence has had eternal benefits for the many children that were in her classes.

She is survived by her five children; Shelby C. High of Selma, P. Cosby Carmichael (Marsha) of Selma, James K. Carmichael of Tuscaloosa, Judith O’Connor (Robert) of Columbiana, AL and Martha Jean C. Pierce (Kent) of Gainsville, FL; twelve grandchildren, W. James High, III, Robert A. High, H. Kendrick Carmichael, Pierson S. Carmichael, R. Clay Carmichael, Hollan Yarbough, Deva A. Carmichael, Ariel L. Carmichael, R. Shelby O’Connor, William R. O’Connor, Joseph K. Pierce, Stella J. Pierce and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Monday October 17, 2011 and one hour prior to services Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at Houston Park Church of Christ, Tuesday October 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Minister Tom McLemore officiating. Burial following the service will be held at New Live Oak Cemetery, Selma directed by Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are W. James High, III, Robert A. High, H. Kendrick Carmichael, Pierson S. Carmichael, R. Clay Carmichael, William R. O’Connor and Joseph K. Pierce.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Houston Park Church of Christ, the Cosby and Carmichael Endowed Scholarship, Faulkner University 5345 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36193, or Alzheimer’s Research UAB, Dept. Neurology, 1720 7th Ave. S., sc339, Birmingham, AL 35294.

Please visit http://www.lawrencebrownservice.com to make online condolences to the family.