Deputy Sheriff Martha Ann Woods-Shareef

I woke up this morning thinking about Martha Woods-Shareef. Tomorrow marks the 13th anniversary of her passing.

I’m reminded of what an amazing woman she was. Always having a kind word for everyone, friend and stranger alike, Martha exemplified the meaning of public service. I have always said that she ‘spoke softly and carried a big stick’. She was a stickler about doing her job, and I liken her to a train conductor. Dealing with Martha, you quickly learned that her decisions weren’t based on democracy. You either caught the train or caught the gate.

She knew how to deal with people, and she touched many lives during her years. You don’t find many LEO’s these days who demand and receive the amount of respect that Martha demanded and received.

I recall one time after a fight had occurred between a brother and a sister in my neighborhood, she responded to the call. It was a serious fight that turned physical, but Martha saw the bigger picture when she showed up. She sat them both down at the kitchen table and told them that she wasn’t gonna arrest anyone because they would post bond and be drinking coffee together again the next morning like nothing happened. She explained ‘loyalty’ to them and explained that family has to stick together and not fight, and she made them hug and told them to behave. It was moments like that where Martha’s legacy was created and defined.

Kelsey Benoit
Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department

August 19, 2021