Martha Alice Summerbell

Martha Wood Bryant Summerbell passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022. Born September 17, 1932 in Waycross, Georgia, to Joseph Wood and Arloa Morgan Wood. Martha was predeceased by her parents and husband Jerry Bryant. She is survived by husband Jack Summerbell, sister Joan Henderson, son Charles Bryant (Holly), daughter Lee Ann Edwards (Dawayne) and stepson James Summerbell (Dana) and by six grandchildren: Samuel Bryant, Belle Bryant, Trista Dowdy, Lucas Edwards, Emily Summerbell and Sarah Summerbell. Nephew Joseph Henderson (Cheryl) and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Following graduation from Georgia Southern, Martha returned to her hometown to teach for three years. Following that she was certified as a professional YMCA director and served as program director for the State YMCA of Georgia. When Martha and Jerry moved to Rome in 1962, she became program director for the YMCA for Rome and Floyd County.

Martha's community service began with two terms on the board of United Way as well as numerous terms on the Administrative Board of First United Methodist Church, including serving as chair for two years. She also taught Sunday School for more than forty years. In addition to her church activities, Martha was proud of serving on the organizational committee which brought Georgia Highlands College to Rome

In addition to an active volunteer schedule, Martha found time to begin the Bryant and Garrett Travel Agency which she nurtured to a thriving and innovative travel company. After selling the business in 2009, Martha continued to serve as an independent agent until 2021. Her world travel experiences can be matched by few and her greatest satisfaction was to travel with her fellow Floyd Countians.

Martha also worked closely with Greater Chamber of Commerce and served many leadership positions over the years. Including chairing the Small Business Action Council. A graduate of Leadership Rome, she became the first woman to serve as chair of the chamber in 1993.

Active in governmental affairs, Martha served as chairperson of the Floyd County Republican Party as well as on the State Republican Committee.

One of her greatest joys was her many years in Rome Rotary where she recently was made an honorary lifetime member. In 2010, Martha also received the Heart of the Community Board of Governors Award which she truly cherished.

A private burial will be held at the Eastview Cemetery on Saturday, January 7, 2023, A Service of Celebration will follow at First United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Robert Brown and Rev. Dr. Gil Watson officiating. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary from 12:30 p.m. until the beginning of the service and will remain following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be sent to First United Methodist Church or the Rome-Floyd County YMCA.

Finally, a very special thanks to the nursing staff at Magnolia Place at The Spires. Their loving dedication and care to Martha's well-being made them as one of our family and words cannot begin to say how much we appreciated all that they did for her.

Daniel’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Martha Wood Bryant Summerbell.