Martha H. Harbison, 79 of St. Simons Island died peacefully at her home on July 16, 2018. Martha, otherwise known affectionately as “Mimi” and “Aunt Martha”, spent her final days surrounded by her family.
Martha was born on September 9, 1938 in Mount Pleasant, Ga. to Essie Mae Lee Herrin and John Daniel Herrin, Sr. Martha was an independent, hardworking self-starter that was just as comfortable with hammer and saw as she was with the daily crossword puzzle. She was a veracious reader and a life long learner. Martha had a huge heart and was always willing to help others in need and to care for her family. She and her husband Cecil opened their home to many.
Martha and her husband Cecil moved many times while he was in the employ of Sears Roebuck, until they settled in Atlanta in 1974. Martha worked as an administrative assistant while in Atlanta. After Cecil’s passing in 1987, Martha returned to the Golden Isles as a full time resident of St. Simons Island in 1989. She worked with Rich Sea Pak until her retirement. Martha enjoyed gardening, working on projects in her house and spending time with family and friends. But her greatest joy was spending time with her four grandchildren.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Cecil Harbison, Jr. and her brothers Harley Thomas (Bud) Herrin, Marcus Herrin and Phillip Herrin. Martha is survived by her daughters Brenda Vaizer and Phyllis Lautenschlager and their spouses, Mark Vaizer and Kenny Lautenschlager, her grandchildren Amy, Todd, Hannah and Rachel, her brothers David Herrin (Montana), John Herrin (Kentucky) and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Services will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Sandy Springs United Methodist Church South Campus Chapel in Atlanta. Her burial will immediately follow the service at Arlington Memorial Park.
