Recently I heard what was a new song for me.  It was from the Christian artist Honeytree.  It says "When I don't understand the things that happen in my life.  I am going to believe that you are up to something good."  Honestly I struggle with Mom's Alzheimer's.  So many times I ask God why she had to go through this condition, when she spent so much of her life giving to others.  But, so many times towards the end of Mom's life, I would hear from the people at Windermere (where she lived) how Mom would go around in her wheelchair and talk to others about Jesus.  She would pray with them.  This being at at time when she couldn't remember what she just ate and she had no concept of time or date.  God was able to use her in ways that he might not have been able to otherwise.  We may not always know WHY.  But we can be sure in one truth - Romans 8:28 - For we know that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to his word.

It's hard to pick a handful of words to describe someone who so entirely encompassed my life.  I have always known Martha, even before I met the world.  Martha was SO much more than a Mom to me.  She was an advisor, an ear, a pray warrior (even when I didn't know I needed one), a role model and definitely a friend.

Mom did not have an easy life.  Her family with 10 children was impoverished.  There were times she went to bed hungry.  She also suffered a broken hand that became infected and she had to endure many surgeries at a young age.  These things could have turned her bitter, but they didn't.  In the hardest times, Mom grew closer to God and he gave her an empathy that few have.  She learned how to share God's love with those around her.  This, and her faith, are the legacy she leaves for those left behind.

Martha was one of the kindest people I ever knew.  She was a mighty prayer warrior.  You could count on her to hold you up in prayer.  She prayed for my family for many years.  I will always cherish her memory and friendship.

I liked to tell a little story about the time my Aunt Martha invited my brother, sister, and I to Vacation Bible School. My Aunt had a big heart and showed love to everyone she met. My aunt would do crafts with us making things out of popsicle sticks. I thought this was the neatest thing. She also told us stories from the Bible of Jonah and the whale and Daniel in the Lions den. We also sang songs like, The " B I B L E" and Father Abraham had many sons" These small act of love and kindness stayed in my heart even now as I grow older. I will never forget her loyalty to serving the Lord and being the Christian woman she was. I know that she is in heaven dancing and singing with her family. Some day we all will see each other again.  
Your niece 
Janis Baldridge Culp

Martha, rest in His arms…loved meeting you through your precious daughters, Janet and Kathy,  when you came to our Women’s Group at Cameron Park Christian Center @ Cameron Park, CA when you visited your girls…your quiet but confident faith in God 
drew me to you!! Your legacy lives on through your girls and it shows…thank you for exampling Jesus  to me ..you impacted my prayer life as you showed me how to be persistent in prayer and simply trust Him…enjoy peace in His presence with your loved ones…see you there👏🏻😍

Mom loved kids. As a young lady, she taught at church and took care of nephews.  My earliest memories are of acting out stories with mom and my younger brother, spending time under the table or behind the long curtains as needed.  Mom taught at church for about 60 years and I had the joy of coteaching with her for a few years.  She was able to take care of her great granddaughters quite a bit and others as well.  When mom took care of kids, she interacted with them, baked for them, played games with them and made treasure hunts for them.  She even knew how to make chores fun for them to "help" with.
Mom was a prayer warrior.  We were always aware that she prayed for us constantly.  People would call her or pull her aside to have her pray with them.  She kept lists of people she was praying for and spent regular time praying for them.  She would wake up at night "seeing someone's face" and lay awake praying for them.  When we or others told mom a need, she would say "let's pray now".  She believed James 5:16, "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective".  
Mom loved being in the presence of God.  She loved praying, singing and worshipping. She loved being in church and also listening to Christian music.  She wasn't interested in TV, but she would join my dad to listen to preaching.  She grew up singing and sang alto in a trio with her sisters. They even sang on the radio.  When she couldn't remember most words and events, mom still loved to sing hymns with Janet and I, and she was often able to sing the alto part.  
Mom had the gift of being a good listener.  She was a judgment free sounding board.  Instead of trying to tell you what to do, she listened and asked questions to clarify the problem.  Instead of giving her opinions, she would pray with you about it and point you to God for the solutions.  And you could be sure she would write down your name and keep praying for you.

"Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.  Care about them as much as you care about yourselves."  Philippians 2:3-4
Mom's life was an example of this verse in action.  She was the most loving and unselfish person I've known.  I don't have memories of mom being any other way.  She was always looking for things to do for others.  There were days as a young working mom that I'd come home from work and find my house cleaned or food in the frig.  When help was needed at church, she was one of the first to sign up or volunteer.  She always took extra food to potlucks and she would step in without notice to teach.  She didn't hold onto money or things but was quick to share.  
As she got older her knees and hands would hurt a lot and she was unsteady on her feet, but she was still determined to find ways to help.  When we wouldn't let her help with yard work anymore, she would bring us ice water and wet rags.  When she couldn't get up and down the stairs to teach kids at church, she made cookies and craft kits for them.
When mom was in a wheelchair and staying at assisted living, I would come at night and find her sitting in the dining room long after she finished eating because her tablemate hadn't finished and she didn't want to leave her sitting alone.  It made her happy to find ways to show love to others.  Mom showed me by example how to love others, share, listen, be patient, pray about everything and pray continuously, assume the best about people, enjoy the moment, trust God and be thankful.

Martha was my Dads younger  sister & they favored very much in many ways.  Martha was about 20 yrs old as I first remembered her.  I thought she was so beautiful & sweet.  

She was truly the kindest  person I’ve ever known besides my  Dad.   Our children would always say “have Aunt Martha pray for us” because they knew she was an effectual fervent prayer warrior.  

She worked in the church  we pastored for 20 yrs.   Along with her family.  She was such a great blessing to us.  I know she is enjoying heaven.   Our love & prayers to the family.  
Shirley & David  Schultz  & family

I’ve never known a sweeter love than the one given by my sweet great grandma. She always took care of others before her self, and is one of my greatest life examples. Her legacy will live in my heart along side my papa and I will tell future generations about them both. I keep our memories close to my heart and will miss her for the rest of my years but I know she is in peace with God 🩷

We love you Ms. Martha, from your Windermere family:)

Mom was one of the good ones always smiling and welcoming. Trying to make sure we had a snack if we were hungry or drink if thirsty.  
Thoughts and prayers to the family. 
Laura

OBITUARY

Martha Ruth Fuqua

28 July, 1935 – 17 May, 2024

Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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