Martha Bass Brinson

Martha was a passionate gardener, a dedicated Duke fan, and a devoted Mother and Gran. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from East Carolina University and spent much of her life in the classroom, impacting countless students along the way. Her love for family, especially her grandbabies, was immeasurable. Martha was also known for her love of shag dancing and her joy in attending concerts by The Embers, where she could often be found on the dance floor with a smile on her face. She enjoyed cruising with her sister Lynne, having her sister Cindy right down the street, and was an active member of the WEBS group.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merrell and Virginia Bass, and her beloved husband, Clem Brinson. Martha is survived by her children, Blair Brinson Cotten (Brooks), Brooke Powers (Shay), and George Swindell; her sisters, Cynthia Scott and Lynne Shirley (Steve); and her cherished grandchildren: Clemmie Wrenn Cotten, Layla Pearl Cotten, Weir Cotten, Wyatt Powers, and Amelia Powers.

A Celebration of Martha’s Life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Cotten Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cotten Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you purchase a plant in honor of Martha and give it to someone you love, continuing her legacy of nurturing and caring.

The family also invites friends to join them at Attitudes in River Bend on Friday following the Celebration of Life and again anytime on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Martha’s home as they hopefully cheer on the Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA Elite Eight game.

Martha’s love for her family, her zest for life, and her infectious spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Martha Bass Brinson.