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In memory of

Martha "Martha Ann" Spruell Pipkin

Memphis, TN, USA

August 18, 1934 - November 27, 2020

Aug 18, 1934 - Nov 27, 2020

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Martha Ann Spruell Pipkin was born in Russellville, Alabama on August 18, 1934 to Dr. Hugh and Lucille Spruell. She attended Ward Belmont High School in Nashville, TN and received a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Southwestern University (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, TN. In 1954, Martha married Joe Pipkin of Memphis, TN, where she became active in the Memphis Opera Guild, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Beethoven Club and the Camarata Club. She founded a fitness program called “Shape Up With Martha” which began in a church basement with a handful of ladies and grew into a national franchise. The “Shape Up With Martha” tv program aired for decades on Memphis Cablevision. She sang soprano for over 20 years in the Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal choir, then for another decade in the Independent Presbyterian Church choir.
Mrs. Pipkin is preceded in death by her husband Joe, her sister Nancy, her brother Dr. Hugh Spruell, her grandson Trey Jackson, and her son Joe Pipkin, Jr.. She leaves behind one sister, Andrea Kirby, three daughters: Patrice Mason, Stephanie Jackson, and Martha Anderson, as well as 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Beethoven Club of Memphis or Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

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