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St. Martha Taylor, 86, of Charlotte, NC fell asleep on May 22, 2017. She was born Martha Magdaline Smith, January 20, 1931 to the late Isaac Henry Smith and Mary Thomas in Clifton Forge, VA.
Losing her parents at an early age, she and her siblings were brought to Staunton, VA. She was blessed to become acquainted with St. L. Bernice Plummer, Grand Mother Sarah, who was a Social Worker at that time. St. B. Plummer was able to move Martha to Belleville at the young age of 11 where she was introduced to the Church of the God and Saints of Christ organization. It is also at this time she met her dearest friend, Ruth Thomas and they remained best friends until the end. She attended the Belleville Tabernacle until she graduated from Norfolk County High School. Upon graduation she moved to Brooklyn, NY where she met Ernest Elmore.
From this union she had three children, Michael, Brenda and Phyllis Elmore. She worked at Advent Day Care as an Assistant Teacher for 20+ years until she retired in 1994. After Brooklyn she moved to Elizabeth, NJ with her eldest daughter Brenda and attended services in Plainfield, NJ. Not one to just sit around Martha quickly became known as a ‘worker’ within the tabernacles she attended. If anything needed to be done it was guaranteed that you would see her face in the midst. While in Belleville you could find her often working at Rabbi H.Z. Plummer’s home where she regularly assisted St. Plummer with her infant son, Howard Z. Jr. It is a known fact that Martha loved to cook and her name was associated with the title of being a Great Cook! It has been said that when she adorned the kitchen the Saints would line up! Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007, Martha moved to Charlotte, NC where she stayed and was cared for by both of her daughters. When her health permitted, she attended services at Second Tabernacle, Charlotte and remained with her son and daughters until her death.
Martha is preceded by her siblings, Dorothy McKamey, Isaac (Sonny) H. Smith, and Betty Smith Koones.
She leaves behind her son Michael E. Elmore and wife (deceased) Brenda Garrett Elmore, daughters Brenda and Phyllis Elmore, grandchildren Andrea and Anthony Feliciano, Renee Garrett Elmore and Michael Elmore Jr., great grandchildren Ja’kel Brenden Lawrence and Ezra Feliciano, and daughter in-law Irene Beverly Feliciano. As well as a host of nephews, nieces, grand, and great grand nephews and nieces, close friends and her beloved best friend Ruth Thomas and family.
All Hail Saints,
Pray all is well. There will be a memorial service for St. Martha Taylor, Sunday, June 11, 2:30 PM at the tabernacle; 2816 N. Graham St., Charlotte, NC 28206. There will be a repast following service
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Second Tabernacle. Make payments payable to: Church of God and Saints of Christ P.O. Box 790304 Charlotte, NC 28206
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Taylor family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Carla Mills says
My deepest condolences for your loss. Sometimes knowing your love one is no longer suffering and no longer in pain helps us grieve. But no matter what we wish with all our hearts that our love one is still with us. To my sister Phyllis and her family, I am sending you prayers of comfort during this time, and know that you are not alone. Love you
CHARLES & PAMELIA BEATTY says
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning! Our sincerest and deepest sympathies to the Taylor family. St.Martha was a joy to see on the Sabbath. She will surely and truly be missed!!
Rita J. Brown says
“And they shall be mine saith the Lord of hosts in that day when I make up my jewels”…
So sorry to hear of the loss of St. Martha. I didn’t know her long but I knew she had a sweet, gentle spirit and a sense of humor! I enjoyed the time I had with her. During this time of sorrow know that you are not alone. As you rise from the depths of your sorrow know that it will be on the wings of the Lord and your seat – In the hollow of his hand.
I extend my sincerest prayers & condolences to the family.
Peace Be Unto You!
Rita J. Brown
Sandra Wagner-Young says
The Lord is good and his mercy endureth forever!
May He continue his protecting care over this wonderful family who took such great care of St. Martha.
My heart goes out to you at this time of loss.
I looked forward to seeing St. Martha on Sabbath. There seemed to be a special bond between us that transcended her illness. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company.
There was something very interesting in her purse….CANDY!..and she passed it out with great relish.
We loved her, we will miss her and we will always remember her. Her song has ended, but her melody lingers on.
Brenda Elmore says
Mom, I think about you each and every day, I remember all the stories that you told me growing up as a young child, as an adult, I remember the day I picked you up to come live with me and my children, you bestilled your values on to them and helped them to be the young adults they are today, we will never forget your values and stories. I miss your smile and straight fowardness, you were my best friend, I called you ( my shadow ).
I know you will no longer suffer from the disease they call Alzheimer’s/ Dementia
May you Rest In Peace
I love you always you memory will always be imbedded in me!
Brenda Elmore
Always and Forever