Martha Stith

Hate

Missing you Big Mama! Candi

I will always remember the love and respect she showed me.

To Sylvia, Larry, and Russell,

I remember the first time I met Cousin Martha- June 1986- our first NJ Barham Beamon Davis Family Reunion. Her grandmother and my grandfather were brother and sister. In one minute, we knew how we linked up! That smile I will always remember! I always call early morning because Cousin Martha always stayed busy. She always had people to take care of. She was a source of joy. She was truthfully one of Christ's Disciples.

Sorrowfully Yours, Irene Myers Edwards

I Pray God will comfort each one of you. she is the angel in the wind for Russell;,The anchor in the storm for Larry and a lasting comfort for Sylvia. God Bless ...Edith Myers-Spearman (The Barham Family)

Our heartfelt sympathy to the Stith family and friends during this time of bereavement. I have known Soror Martha Stith since 1972 when I moved to Rocky Mount after graduation from college and realized that we were sorority sisters. Over the years she has been like a mother to me with her unconditional love. If she did not know an answer to a question, she would give me reliable resources to obtain the accurate facts. Being the last charter member of Epsilon Gamma Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. of Rocky Mount, NC, Soror Martha Stith has been an inspiration and blessing to many people with her caring heart and great personality. She was an exemplary educator and an extraordinary leader in her church, sorority, alumni, and community. Martha Stith has left a cherished space in our hearts and will be remembered for all the lives she touched with her special love, kindness, integrity, and above all her perseverance. The memory of Soror Martha Stith will always be in our hearts. May the Peace of the Lord be with us always, Soror Wychulia Stewart & Family

To the Beloved Family of Martha Stith:

When Hattie and I heard of Martha's death, we were terribly shocked and deeply saddened! And we still are! However, we want to express to you our sorrow and deepest condolence on your profound loss. Using the words of the Apostle Paul, I/we " thank God for every remembrance" of Martha Stith! Certainly, Martha's positive impact on the lives of many was long, deep, wide and lasting! Like others have said, Hattie and I too are so grateful for having known Martha and experiencing her empowering friendship, loving spirit and many kindnesses, which began for us 55 years ago and continued to her "joining the church triumphant." We were also called "her children" and were continually recipients of her thoughts, prayers and encouragement. On another level, Hattie and I enjoyed a special connection with Martha. That is, she and Hattie were sorors in the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and she was also my "sister" as I am a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Additionally for me, Martha was a mentor, colleague wise, pro-active and firmly grounded in her faith in God. Uniquely, I was also blessed with being her pastor and colleague when I served my first Pastorate at Mount Pisgah Presbyterian Church (1965-1968) and she served on the Session and in other capacities. To God be the Glory for her and her blessings to many including us! Peace to all, Al and Hattie Hockaday, San Antonio, TX

One of the best teachers I had in high school. Always pushed me to put my best foot forward in whatever I did. Such a strong woman! May God comfort you in your hour of bereavement and grant you peace! Jacqueline Florice Gray-Lewis

My deepest condolences to all of our family members for the loss of our Matriarch. Aunt Martha I will miss you for so many reasons but mostly I will miss our long phone calls catching up on everything Davis. You kept me close. I love you for that. I hate that circumstances prevent my attendance at your homegoing but I believe I made my sentiments known to you while you were here. After all that's what matters most. So tell my Daddy I said hey and know that I'm working hard to see you on the other side. Your loving niece, Lynn Davis.

A life well lived. My condolences to the family. She was my PE teacher back in the days. Mrs. Stith will truly be missed! Sophia Joyner - RMSH Class of "8T3"

To God Be The Glory. I am really going to miss Mrs. Stith. I met Mrs. Stith when I worked as the Secretary at Mt. Pisgah back in the 70's. Mrs. Stith was always a loving and caring person. She loved helping people. We kept in touch over the years and she always kept me informed of what was going on at Mt Pisgah. I talked with her a few weeks ago. Thank God for having that chance to talk with her. She loved God and she shared that with everybody she came in contact with. Thank God for having Mrs. Stith in my life. I know that God will strengthen you all at this time. Hold on to those wonderful memories of Mrs. Stith, I know I will. Be Blessed. Love. Mrs. Bettie Jones.

My Reflections on Mrs. Martha Stith: Mrs. Stith was a Phenomenal person with a very kind and generous spirit. She loved people and always greeted people with a warm and very friendly smile. She radiated God's love and the rest of the fruit of the Spirit through the marvelous Christian example she exemplified in her relationships with whomever she came in contact. She loved the Moore dearly and had a very special love for our mother, Mrs. Christanna Dancy Moore and for our sister, Alicia Faye Moore, who was in her very first homeroom class at Joseph W. Parker Junior High School. She was an extraordinary leader who always had positive messages of inspiration to share. My family honored her with a massive trophy for being and outstanding teacher at my mother's 97th birthday celebration, and for that she expressed her deep gratitude. Mrs. Stith was like a member of our family. We loved her dearly and will miss her presence. To her immediate family the Moore family extends to you our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences as you mourn her death and celebrate her extraordinary life. May God give you the strength and the determination to carry on. Draw near to Him, and keep your hand in His. He'll make everything for you better. James W. Moore and the Moore family

to Larry and the rest of the family: The Nicholson, Lewis. King, Mann, Neal, Perry family reunion committee are saddened at the passing of our dear cousin. She will be sorely missed at our gatherings. She was always faithful and did whatever she could to keep us united. We will remember the love she exhibited and will endeavor to continue to reflect that love to generations to come. Rest in peace Martha.

To the family of Soror Stith: a life lived well and many lives touched in profound way. Soror Marian E. Pittman

The Ohree family extends condolences to the family of Sister Martha Stith, who was a true and faithful Christian Sister. I recall her accompanying Rev. Privott to the home of Sister Ohree in March 2020 to share Holy Communion with our family. Sister Stith was always willing and ready to encourage us any way that she could. Now, she rests, knowing that she has set an amazing example for the rest of us to follow. We thank God for having shared sooo much with Sister Stith during our lives. Elizabeth, Gregory, Nathlyn,& Lauren

My aunt Martha was a phenomenal woman. A beautiful and loving spirit. I will miss the conversations with her, but will remember the encouragement in them. I admire the bond she kept with family, no matter how near or far. I am heartbroken in the wake of her passing, but I know Heaven has gained another angel.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of our Aunt Martha,She was the Best of the Best.She was truely a God fearing woman and i am going to miss her deeply.We have shared many ,, conversations laughing and talking about family.my Children and Iloved her immensely,Now that you have gained your wings Rest In Heaven Sweet Angel. Arnita Davis

To My Dearest Aunt Martha this space is not big enough to express my deepest gratitude and respect that i have always had and have for you.from your compassionate council and love to your example of what faith and love of the lord really is.any life that you touched was blessed and i am an example of that.you will live in my heart and deeds for the rest of my life.I love you,i will miss you and i will never forget your august presence... R Davis jr..the prodigal son.

My deepest Condolences to the family. Rest well Soror Stith you will truly be missed. Dove Love, Soror Wanda Battle.

My thoughts and prayers of comfort and peace are with Soror Sylvia and her family now and in the days to come (Matthew 5:4) Soror Delphine Wiggins

Words simply cannot express the love and kindness that Mrs. Stith showed to the Bynum family. We will forever remember your guidance and genuine care for others. We appreciated you picking us up for vacation bible school, and after we grew up and had children you also picked them up for church, and vacation bible school. There were so many wonderful things that you did for us. I am so thankful to God we had an opportunity to visit with you and tell you how important you were to our family. We could see God's goodness in your spirit, and you will be missed. God has an Angel.

Love you, Mamie, Wanda, Deneasa, Renee, and Shuntel Bynum

I am so grateful for having known Mrs. Stith and experiencing her loving support and many kindnesses to our family. I remember singing "How Long Has It Been" in Junior High that Gail Hudson talked about. I can almost hear the sound of all of us singing it, now as I'm writing. Her faith was deep and real as was her love for the young people she taught and nurtured. Our deepest sympathies to her family and all who loved her as we did. Sincerely, Uneeda Brewer and The Brewer family

To the family of the teacher that I loved so much. She was always on me about doing something with my life and get a good education. I did not come short of that goal for me nor for her. She was a blessing to me and another mother in my life. A great woman has gone to be with the Lord. God Bless her and the family. Mrs. Wanda A Younger (Bynum) and family.

My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Martha Stith. May God grant you peace and healing in the days ahead. Patricia Mckiver Dixon, Class of 1967.

A Virtuous Woman-Mrs. Martha Stith. Sending prayers of peace to Mrs Stith family. Our family will truly miss her. The Lawrence, Mercer, Porter and Branch Family.

Mama Stith was very special to me. She accepted me as one of her children during my high school days. When ever I needed her she was there for me and if she need me I was there for her as well. She made sure that I was invited to all of her special services and banquets at Mt. Pisgah church. I have a void in my heart but haven has another angel. Mama Stith will forever live in my heart. Deaconess Doris Taylor Barnes

To the Stith family: "The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace." Psalm 29:11. May Almighty God comfort and keep you.

After reading the messages of folks sharing their feeling of what they took away from their relationship with Aunt Martha, I can only say to you is you don't know the half of what she is not was, As our lives go on and encounter people, every now and then you actually meet someone of substance, that means what they say, does the right thing ,recognizes and solve the problem and all without fanfare, recognition,but because it needs to be done. The word is Selflessness driven by Faith the rarest element known to mankind, it is not an exaggeration to say that all that this world we live in is the better for the life she shared with us. I take solace in her Faith she is home with God and not on the other end of the phone, and I say to those who read this, I was truly blessed for a lifetime having her in my life Russell Davis

My condolences to the family of Martha Stith.

My prayers are with the family, Mt. Pisgah Church family, and the Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Epsilon Gamma Zeta Chapter. Soror Stith, always had a kind word for everyone she met and will truly be missed! Soror/Dove Stith has gained her wings! We all loved you, but God LOVED you Best!!! Continued prayers, Soror Debbie Mills Bennett

To the family Ms. Stith was a jewel love whomever she came in contract with and was the best Gym Teacher and a mother to all her girls. RIP Ella P.Clark

Mia Overby Yates

Rest well Mrs. Stith My condolences, love and prayers to the family

Thank you one and all for your kind words and phone calls and genuine gestures

Dr. Tolokun and Dawn Marie Omokunde

I will really miss her, she was wonderful teacher, if you ever needed someone to talk to she was there. Rest until. Beulah Battle

Prayers are with the family. Mrs. Stith was a kind and encouraging teacher. Edith (Sumler) White, class of 1966 Booker T Washington Senior High, Pittsburgh, PA

My prays goes out to the family.She was a great teacher,I will always remember her.To God be the Glory. Hilda Cooper

Larry & Janis Davis so sorry to hear of the passing of your Aunt Martha , praying that God will give you strength during this time of sorrow. Joe & Penny Glenn

To the family I am sorry for your loss Mrs Stith Will be missed,we always meet at the post office she will have a kind word and a smile I will miss her smile she was a beautiful person. Pamela Mcmillan

MORE SYMPATHY IS WITH YOU NOW THAN WORDS ALONE CAN TELL, FOR THOSE WHO SHARE YOUR FRIENDSHIP SHARE YOUR RECENT LOSS AS WELL.

THE BTW CLASS OF 1965.

YOUR FRIENDSHIP SHARE YOUR RECENT LOSS AS WELL.

My prayers go out to the family. She was also my PE teacher and she would reach out to any student who needed help or advise. She always wanted her students to reach for the stars and never look back! She will be missed. Patricia Jones

All I can say is...I loved my Aunt Martha to the moon and back! She was a very strong, loving, educated black woman!! She was proud to be a Davis and she truly loved her family and her sorority. She taught my sisters and I to love the lord and to always put education 1st! I have taken that wisdom she shared with me to my children and we will continue to keep her legacy going. She was definitely a PHENOMENAL WOMAN to me and I will truly miss her. Also, I thanked her for help raising and teaching my dad his entire life on how to be a great dad, that meant a lot to my sisters and mom. I will never forget my Aunt Martha and now it's time for her to take her rest! Love you always, Marvelene McBride

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Martha Stith. Our ages aren't that far apart, but we always called her Mrs. Stith. She was mentor and confidante to Coach when they worked together at Parker and RMWilson. They remained friends until retirement, and we were always so happy to see her when we met up. As the others have attested Mrs. Stith was a wonderful person. May she rest in her beautiful legacy. Coach and Beverly Henderson

Thinking of you at this time of sadness and sending heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Soror Lexzine Bryant

Family your loss is also ours Aunt Martha has always been a great part of our family and will be sorrowfully missed. We pray for your continue healing and we as you all do have many wonderful stories to remember her by. She has always been a quiet strong wind passing by and taking care of any one that needed her at that moment. As all true mothers her ficus and loved was seen at the child that needed the most at that time. She will be greatly missed by to many to name or guess. Much love and prayers from the entire Brown - Parker Family

I send my deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Martha Stith, who some of us playfully called, Miss Stiff! She was my Junior High PE teacher and I would have done anything she asked of me. She was such a wonderful teacher and a wonderful woman. I had spoken to Tolokum just days before she passed and he was not aware that her passing was imminent. The Class of 1966 will never forget her! Much love and respect, Cynthia Clarey.

To Sylvia and Russell, My heart was deeply saddened to hear of Ms. Stith passing. She was such a loving and kind lady. I grew up around the corner from her on Holly Street in the Neighborhood. She was my gym teacher at Parker Jr. High. .After returning home to live, I would often run into her and we always had a hug and a conversation. I will miss seeing her in her Zeta blue and white. She was always there for everyone even to the end. Thank you Ms. Stith for all that you gave...you will never know all of the lives that you touched and influenced!!!!! I pray that God will give the family comfort. Lossie M. Deans

My prayers to Omotolokun Omokunde and family in this time of sorrow. May you find peace. 1966 Classmate

Our prayers are with the family during these difficult times. She oftentimes encouraged me.NJ Reverend Doctor Brenda Taylor-Hart and Reverend Bronchie Hart Booker T. Washington class of 1968

Rest in Peace, Soror. Lashonda Harris- ZB

Rest in peace Trailblazer.

Condolences to the Family of Mrs Martha Stith, during this time of your bereavement. We really enjoyed reconnecting and visiting with her during our 50th Class of 1967 Reunion in 2017, and our Annual Picnic in July 2018, as our special guest. She will bring back fond memories, and not be forgotten. You will be in our prayers. Wesley R Porch and Family

A life well lived! My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Greetings. There are people who make a robust and marked impact on the lives of those they meet on this pilgrim journey. Martha Stith possessed this special quality. For many, words can only express a small degree of what tremendous personality resided in one named "MARTHA". She personified that which is lovely, kind, beautiful, gracious, long suffering, worthy, and pure. God grant peace and comfort to family and friends. It took a pandemic to keep me from personally being there for her homegoing celebration. LLOYD B. MORRIS

Condolences and prayers from the Horton Family,Armstrong Projects and Class of 69.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Stith was also my PE teacher back in the day. My memory of her was in those moments when she took the time to listen to me and provide me with good advice and she encourage to be the best that I could be.She showed me that she cared which was important to me. She was the best and she will be missed.

I am for once in my life, at a loss for words. I have many fond memories of Ms. Stith. Memories that span for decades, from being a student in her homeroom and PE class on into adulthood. To the family, I extend my sincerest condolences. May you find peace in knowing that her life spent on this earth was meaningful to many. God bless each of you. Sylvia Spivey Baker & The Spivey family

Our family knew Ms. Stith for over 40 years. We met her at Mount Pisgah and she was a caring and faithful member of that church. She was my Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School leader. Even though she was serious and no-nonsense when discipling us in church, while mom led the church choir, she had a genuine and deep concern for every person that attended. Because she was so giving, she often checked on our family. She hired my mother at the fashion boutique she and Mr. Stith owned and operated in downtown Rocky Mount. I have fond memories of playing in the store and watching my mother work with customers. We will miss Ms. Stith. May you rest in peace. Deborah Jacobs Wallace, California

To the family, may your memories of Soror Stith bring you comfort at this time. The memories of Mrs. Stith,my neighbor from Holly Street, 9th grade gym teacher, Ma Martha when I became her sister 47 years ago and could not bring myself to call her by her first name and Mot or Martha when she told me that I was finally "grown" in 1983 at my baby shower. The memories of her encouraging words for every stage and every trial of my life shaped and molded me. My last conversation on Sunday, June 21, 2020 will forever be etched in my heart. Soror Sharron McNeil-Davis

Dear Soror Sylvia, my deepest sympathy to you and yours. May God bless you with strength and stamina for the days ahead without your love one. She was a dear. Soror Rosa A. Brodie

To the family, may your memories of Soror Stith bring you comfort at this time. The memories of Mrs. Stith,my neighbor from Holly Street, 9th grade gym teacher, Ma Martha when I became her sister 47 years ago and could not bring myself to call her by her first name and Mot or Martha when she told me that I was finally "grown" in 1983 at my baby shower. The memories of her encouraging words for every stage and every trial of my life shaped and molded me. My last conversation on Sunday, June 21, 2020 will forever be etched in my heart.

So sorry to hear of Mrs. Stith's passing. She was my Junior High School Gym Teacher and Homeroom teacher. She was always a joy and will be missed. She told me she wanted us to sing,"How Long Has It Been" at her funeral the last time I saw her. That was a favorite hymn and our class sang it practically every morning in Homeroom for our Devotional Time. So many wonderful memories of her. Gail(Fields)Jackson

To the family, I personally will always remember Mrs. Stith as a loving, kind woman who always had an encouraging word. She befriended my mother and as a result, I also benefited from that relationship. I am praying for your peace, comfort and safety. Blessings Dr. Audrey Jenkins Slade Booker T Washington Senoir High Class of 1966 Upper Marlboro, MD

My heart is too heavy right now for me to properly express myself. Soror Stith was a Soror, a mother figure, a friend, a mentor, a shining light and so much more to me and so many others. My heart grieves that we can not give her the home-going celebration that she so richly deserves as a much respected educator, community leader, faithful church leader and founder and member of Epsilon Gamma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. due to the restrictions put on us by the COVID-19 pandemic. My deepest condolences to the immediate family and her extended church and Zeta families. May God grant you peace and healing in the days ahead. Soror Ann Carney Adams and Family

My prayers are with the family during this time of bereavement. I am praying for everyone that God will comfort your heart and I will continue to let my ZETA light shine because of you Soror Stith.

Dove Love, Soror Quanta Brown

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.