Martha Sorrow Carnes

Martha Sorrow Carnes, 86, of Athens, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Born February 2, 1940, Martha will be remembered with deep respect and lasting gratitude for a life rooted in faith, family, and the quiet, steady joys that made each day meaningful.

Martha was the daughter of the late T.L. and Frances Sorrow. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Carnes; her daughter, Vicki Anderson; her sister, Faye Helth; and her brother, Bob Sorrow.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Randy Short; her son-in-law, Dale Anderson; her grandchildren, Keri Sanders (Brandon), Mary Damons (Hoytes), Casey Anderson, Colby Short, and Tiffany Anderson; her great-grandchildren, Logan Sanders, Lucie Sanders, Lynleigh Damons, Landrie Sanders, and Cameron Damons; and her sisters-in-law, Barbara Sorrow and Ruth Spratlin.

Martha spent most of her career working in financial services, where she was known for her dedication and commitment—qualities that reflected the dependable way she approached every responsibility entrusted to her. Beyond her work, she found her greatest purpose in caring for others, and especially in the devotion she gave to her family. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she took great pride in watching her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren grow, surrounding them with steadfast love and a sense of home.

Her life was also shaped by the simple traditions that became treasured memories. Martha and her husband shared a longtime passion for the Georgia Bulldogs and spent many years cheering on the Dawgs, rarely missing a game. They enjoyed bowling together in a league, and she cherished family trips to the beach—days marked not by grand display, but by togetherness and the kind of joy that lingers for generations.

Martha had a special gift for making a house a home. She took genuine satisfaction in caring for it—cleaning, keeping everything in order, and even cutting the grass—doing so with a quiet pride and an eye for what needed to be done. And to those who knew her best, one detail will always feel unmistakably “Martha”: she was never without her lipstick, a signature touch that spoke to her readiness to meet the day with care and intention.

Visitation will be held at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens, on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Ray Finger officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Martha will be remembered for her love, her devotion, her strong work ethic, and the many memories she created with those fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.