Martha Eleanor Bryant

Martha Eleanor Bryant, 84, of Rockingham, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Martha was born on August 5, 1942, in Richmond County to the late Willie Lee Bryant and Pinkie Stogner. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and cherished memories.

Martha was a member of Abundant Life Church, where she enjoyed attending services until her health began to decline. She loved singing and rejoicing with her family and always exhibited a deep love for the Lord. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and she carried that love with her throughout her life.

When she was younger, Martha was a business owner. She was a hardworking woman whose strong spirit kept her going until her eyesight eventually prevented her from working.

Martha loved to travel with her family and especially loved the mountains. She moved to the mountains and lived there with the love of her life for a short time before eventually moving back to Richmond County so she could be closer to her family.

She took great pride in cooking and decorating and loved sharing her ideas, talents, and knowledge with her family. Many of the memories her loved ones will cherish most are the moments spent gathered around her, enjoying her cooking, listening to her stories, and simply being together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Lee Bryant and Pinkie Stogner; her sisters, Catherine, Carrie, and Rachel; her brothers, Walter and Billy; her grandson, Andrew; her great-grandchildren, Miya and Noah; and her daughters-in-law Gina and Jane.

Survived of the home: granddaughter, Autumn (Cheri); great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Nehemiah, Maci, and Alli.

She is survived by her children, Cara Bennett (Chad), Ray Milligan, Bryan Milligan, and Andie Butler; grandchildren, Jennifer Sutton (Ryan), Skyler Bennett, Steven Milligan, Christopher (Amber) and Anthony Piotrowski, and Jessica McLaughlin; and great-grandchildren, Taylor (Anissa), Ryan Jr, Aiden, Jathan, Devan, Bella, Daisy, David, Oaklyn, Mattie, Leo, Xavier, and Athena.

She is also survived by her special nieces, Crystal Gainey-Campbell (Howard) and Angelina Taylor, who held a special place in her heart.

Martha also leaves behind her special friend, Lonnie Williams, who had known her since she was 12 years old, as well as many nieces and nephews who will forever remember her for her loving heart, kindness, and the special way she made those around her feel loved.

Martha’s greatest joy was her family. She loved deeply, gave generously, and created memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing that she is now home in the arms of Jesus, where she is no longer suffering and is finally at peace.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 – 1:45 pm Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor Joe Wilkes officiating. Interment will follow in Eastside Cemetery.

Her love, laughter, faith, and memories will live on forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 US Hwy 1 N, Rockingham, NC 28379.