Martha Ann Blackmer

Martha was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was defined by strength, resilience, and deep love for her family. Martha had a strong work ethic and spent her life working in caregiving, hospitality, and food service roles. She was always doing what was needed to provide for her family and build a life for herself, demonstrating resilience, determination, and a deep sense of responsibility.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures like cooking for her family and could often be found playing solitaire, completing word searches, or enjoying games such as Yahtzee and rummy. She was also a lover of dogs, and her gentle and caring nature extended to the animals she adored. Martha had a warm and gentle spirit, and those who knew her often described her as one of the sweetest and kindest people they had ever met.

Later in life, in 2022, Martha accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized and became a member of Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Pollocksville, North Carolina, where she attended until entering a skilled nursing facility in 2023. Even there, she continued to worship the Lord by participating in the facilities' various religious activities. While residing there, she shared her kindness, forming meaningful friendships with residents and staff alike, all of whom cared for her deeply.

Martha was a strong supporter of the military, taking great pride in her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren who served.

She was a survivor of both breast cancer and throat cancer, facing each challenge with courage and determination. Throughout her life, she demonstrated unwavering strength, especially in protecting and caring for her children during difficult times.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph L. Garvey and Ed Blackmer, her former high school sweetheart, with whom she rekindled a loving relationship later in life.

Martha is survived by her son, Dave (Debbie), and their three children and five grandchildren; her daughter, Robin; and her siblings, Lois Johnson, Cynthia Gernatt, Kenneth Schmitz, Audrey MacNeil, Dorothy Rawnsley, Frederick Schmitz, and Charles Schmitz.

She will be cremated and inurned with her late husband, Ed Blackmer, at Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha’s memory to Susan G. Komen, as a breast cancer survivor, she would have wanted to support others facing the same journey.

Martha will be remembered as a loving mother and a compassionate woman whose life was rooted in care, perseverance, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on through her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Martha Ann Blackmer.