Mrs. Mary Martha Abernathy, age 79, of McKinney, Texas passed away August 17, 2006, in McKinney. She was born November 26, 1926, in Dallas, Texas to George Preston and Fon (Smith) Mitcham. On December 23, 1946, she married Jewell Ernest Abernathy in Cisco, Texas. Mrs. Abernathy was a member of the First United Methodist Church of McKinney and the Jeanne D’Arc Club. She was a graduate of SMU University. She is survived by her sons, Mike Abernathy and wife, Connie of Celina, Texas, Richard Abernathy and wife, Jill of McKinney, Texas and Matt Abernathy and wife, Cindy of Celina; grandchildren, Courtney Kuykendall of Ft. Worth, Texas, Jordan Abernathy and Jacob Abernathy both of McKinney, Amelia Abernathy of Celina, Mark Abernathy of Norman, Oklahoma, and Lydia Abernathy of McKinney. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jewell; son, David; and four brothers, Jim, Bill, Geep and Fred Mitcham. Mary Martha was proud to be the first female cheerleader at SMU. However, her family and friends remember her as short in stature, but large in life. She avoided harsh conversation; always looked for the best in others; and shared herself with reassuring kindness. Her gracious and warm manner was a welcome respite from today’s coarseness. She was always a lady. She will be missed by all. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2006, at Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney with Rev. John Allen officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home.