Lots of love to Paul and Marty in their time of grief :)

Dear Family Members,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
My wife Sherri Stephens worked with Martha at GMHI and they had many great times together and Sherri always spoke vey highly of Martha.
God Bless
The Stephens Family

Martha was a warm, bright lady with a knack for keeping things in perspective.  She was loved and will be sorely missed by all.  She was always willing to listen and provide support and counsel for those close to her.  She amazed and inspired us with her ability to fight seemingly impossible adversaries including lung cancer, brain cancer, and fibromyalgia, just to name a few.  But what she gave us during her time was much more than an inspirational story.  She gave (and lived!) lessons in life.
I worked with Martha at GMHI during the early 90’s and have a story that I want to share with you.  Martha was well-respected and her work was both efficient and proficient.  Due to these qualities, I would frequently approach her with questions about various procedures, policies, problems, etc.
But though she was obviously very bright, I was repeatedly confused and frustrated with her.  The answer to many of my questions was, “I really wish I could help you, but I just don’t know how that is done.”  When I followed-up with questions about where to go or who I could go to find the answer, her response was frequently very similar.  She would frequently think about it for a moment and then shake her head – “I’m really so sorry, I just don’t know.”
This conversation repeated a number of times over the course of about a year.  Then, one Monday morning, I approached her with another question.  She gave the same answer.  As I turned in frustration and started to walk away, it dawned on me.  What I was asking about was a regular part of her job – how could she possibly not know?!? 
As I turned to confront her, she smiled and then started laughing.  “I guess I’m busted now!”  She then – very easily and quickly assisted me.  When I asked her about her feigned ignorance, she explained.  She said that when she first started working for the state that she was ready and willing to take on anything and she had an aptitude for learning quickly and being able to juggle her workload to get everything done that was requested.  
Then she discovered what many of us now know – if you can do it and do it well, it becomes a part of your job!  In many instances these tasks were actually someone else’s responsibility.  She was being punished for doing outstanding work.
She told me that she regained control of her work life when she became “stupid” about things that were other people’s job.  What I learned was, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.  
I later accepted a permanent position as a trainer and developed curriculum for supervisors and managers.  I have since spent many hours counseling leaders on how treat and retain high-performers and Martha’s “dumb Captain” routine never fails to make the point.  
I certainly miss Martha, but I will always keep a part of her with me and – though it sounds trite – I know she is in a much better and happier place.  For her family and friends, condolences on a tremendous loss.  For Martha, congratulations on a life well-lived.

Our hearts go out to you, Paul and your family, at the loss of such a caring precious lady!  We will surely miss her!   We feel your devotion to her is a loving tribute to her life.  Randy and Gayle Royals

I am very sorry to learn of the loss of one so close to you. Many from Roosevelt have your family in their thoughts and prayers. 
 
Louise McLaughlin Cox from Roosevelt High Class of '65

Joyce, so sorry to hear of your sister, Martha's passing. Jesus said, "My peace I give to you, not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid." John 14:27. Your RHS classmate (Rauschenberg)...

I was so sorry to hear about Martha passing.  I was a classmate at Roosevelt High in the 1962 graduating class.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Linda Roberts Dease (Columbus, MS)

Paul, Sherry and Matthew, My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. My dearest friend for more than 30 years and she will be so truly missed. May her wonderful memories fill each of you and know the deepest meaning of her afterglow.

I was a classmate of Martha's at Roosevelt and am so sorry to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Dear Family Members,  
So sorry for your loss as Martha was one of my graduating 1962 classmates and she will be missed.
Love,
Beverly Glover Bailey

Martha and I were friends in high school and grew up in the same neighborhood.  My best regards of sympathy are sent to the family.  My husband died eleven years ago so I certainly understand the loss.  God bless you and give you peace.   RHS Class of l962.

Dear Matt & Jen, we were so sorry to hear of the loss of Matt's Mother.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this
stressful time. Always tough to lose a Mother.
Love- Julian & Sallie Muse

OBITUARY

Martha T. Tribble Brock

November 29, 1944 – June 24, 2010

Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel & Fairview Memorial Gardens

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