Martha Lynn Pilgram

Martha Lynn Hankins Pilgram, age 71, died Friday, November 2, 2018, after a long and hard fought battle with Parkinson's Disease. Martha was born January 1, 1947, in Hot Springs. She was married to Robert Riley Pilgram, who preceded her in death tragically in 1987. Her parents were David Milligan Hankins Jr. and Hazel Mae Lowder Hankins. She was the baby sister of 4 older siblings. Those preceding her in death include: David "Tiger" Hankins III in 1960 and Diann Hankins CarlLee in 2001. Her brother, Paul Edward Hankins, lives in Burleson, Texas, and her sister, Pat Hankins Dickinson (Tony) lives in England, Ark. Martha, the youngest child of a Methodist minister, lived all over the state of Arkansas growing up. Typical of pastor's children (or so we've been told), she and her siblings created friends and destruction everywhere they lived, including Arkadelphia, Magnolia, Little Rock, Lewisville, England, and Hot Springs. After graduating from Hot Springs High School, she attended Southern State (SAU) until marrying the love of her life, Robert Pilgram on November 11, 1967. Afterwards she transferred to Henderson State University and graduated with a degree in speech communication. She left college graduation and headed directly for her true aspiration: motherhood. Martha was the mother of four daughters: Pamela Pilgram-Smith (Jim), Robin Pilgram Kirby, Patricia Diann Pilgram, and Brit Pilgram Singleton (Tim). She leaves behind six granddaughters: Riley Smith Ahern (Kyle), Whitley Roberts, Eleanor Duffield, and Bailey, Claire and Molly Singleton. Her grandsons include; Landon and Logan Roberts and Zach Singleton. She was affectionately known as "Gaga" to her grandchildren. Martha was an adventurist from an early age. She was a tomboy growing up and loved her cowboy boots and wagon. As an adult she was involved in numerous clubs and organizations including bridge and tennis. Plus, she was a rebel in the Russellville Junior Auxiliary organization where she voluntarily homed all of the animals in one particular project, including a ferret and owl in the game room and a small-ish alligator in the family bathtub. Her favorite pastimes included puzzles, cards and mowing on her Kabota tractor. She was an avid reader and loved to visit the beach, relaxing with her beach chair in the surf and her toes in the sand. Martha believed every day should start with a candy bar and Pepsi. Always a Godly woman, after her husband died in 1987, she immersed herself in missionary work. She visited Kenya, Haiti and Amsterdam, Netherlands. There she witnessed and shared her testimony all over the Red Light District; her heart led her to specifically target the prostitutes and to be more relatable she pierced her left eyebrow (surprising and amusing her children and grandchildren). Martha loved all things Jesus. In her later years, she returned to college and received a BSN in nursing from Arkansas Tech University. She was a Russellville School District nurse for several years before deciding she'd rather spend her days working in her yard and driving "Little Tire". Those of us she left behind will never be able to fill the emptiness in our hearts that Martha/Mother/Gaga filled with her beautiful naivety and feisty spirit. Rest in Peace, Momma. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 5, 2018, at First United Methodist Church of Russellville, with the Rev. Stephen Dickinson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service at the church. Burial will be private at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville, and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Memorials may be made to The Wesley Foundation: 1111 N El Paso Ave, Russellville, Ark., 72801 The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.