Martha Sanderson Boyce

Martha Lee Sanderson Boyce, 77, went to be with her heavenly Father on Friday, May 5, 2023.

Martha was born in Hattiesburg, MS, to M.H. Sanderson and Louella Rodgers Sanderson. Martha graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1963 and went on to earn a master’s degree in early childhood education at the University of Southern Mississippi. Following graduation, she married Edward Earl Boyce in 1969. They lived for a few years in Virginia Beach, VA, moved to Hattiesburg, MS in 1972 and then settled on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1987. Martha was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years until she had to retire due to an injury. Following retirement, she loved spending time with her elderly mother until her mother passed away in 2003. After the passing of her mother, Martha found peace with gardening and spending time with her friends and family. Martha’s love of gardening grew following Hurricane Katrinia in 2005. In 2006, Martha was the founder of The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation and Hiller Park Renaissance Garden to provide environmental education and enjoyment for residents and visitors to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Martha’s talents were many, she was a gifted educator, and artist. She loved spending time with family and friends, gardening, praying for and with others, laughing and always having a smile on her face. She was a loving and caring person, a devoted wife, mother, nana, and friend, always thinking of others first. “To know her was to love her”. 

Martha was predeceased by her parents; and brother, Jack Sanderson. 

Survivors include her loving husband of over 53 years, Edward Earl Boyce; her daughter, Leah Boyce Guepet; and granddaughter, Morgan Guepet.

Memorial contributions may be made to Horticulture for Humanity – Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation.

The family wishes to extend their love and gratitude to friends and family who have provided support during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 2511 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS. Friends may visit two hours before. Interment will be held at a later date at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Martha Lee Sanderson Boyce.