OAKLAND — Martha Houston Brasher, age 88, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, Aug. 8.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at Pine Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them for the service and for a visitation and time of remembrance following the service.
She was born November 19, 1936, in Charleston to James Glyndon and Mary Ella Houston and grew up in the Pine Hill community near Oakland with her two brothers and sister.
Martha lived a life rooted in faith, family and hard work. She was a devoted produce farmer and enjoyed having her children work alongside her through the years where they learned her strong work ethic. Later, she followed her passion for food and hospitality by opening Martha’s Market in Grenada with her sister-in-law, Ann Brasher — a small soup and sandwich restaurant that quickly became a town staple and brought her immense joy as she cultivated friendships and shared her warmth with every person who ate with her. She had a special way of putting her heart into everything she touched.
She was a proud and devoted mother and grandmother, which are roles she cherished most in life. She was a constant source of love, wisdom, and strength to her four children and fourteen grandchildren, who blessed her with nineteen great-grandchildren. Martha’s family brought her endless joy, which is evident by the legacy she leaves.
Known for her generous heart and unwavering resilience, Martha touched countless lives and was lovingly known as Grammi to everyone who came to her home. Her outer beauty was only matched by the beauty inside her heart. Whether working in her garden, preparing a warm meal, or simply spending time with her children and grandchildren, she made everyone in her life feel loved and cared for.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Glyndon and Mary Ella Houston; a daughter, Amanda Brasher Mabus; a granddaughter, Ariel Brasher; and brothers, J.G. Houston Jr. and Joe Houston.
She is survived by her children, Sam Brasher Jr., Seburn Brasher (Crystal) and Andrea Davis (Ronnie); thirteen grandchildren, Clint Mabus, Brett Brasher, Ashton Campbell, Atley Mabus, Mallory Pratt, Sarah Betts Mabus, Jack Mabus, Katelyn Mabus-Presley, Brigg Brasher, Bruce Brasher, Blaye Brasher, Houston Brasher and Mary Ella Brasher; nineteen great-grandchildren, Lila Ray, Allie Grace, Austin, Becky Kate, Anderson, Ansley, Camp, Farah, Abby, Gatlin, Logan, Carter, Lane, Ann Hart, Marshall, Dawson, Isla, Karson and Britton; her sister, Marilyn Haynes (Ray); and honorary son, Eddie Reynolds.
Pallbearers are Clint Mabus, Brett Brasher, Atley Mabus, Jack Mabus, Brigg Brasher, Bruce Brasher, Blaye Brasher and Houston Brasher.
