Martha Nell Brakefield

Martha Nell Brakefield, 89, of Morganton, NC passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Grace Ridge. She was born in Caldwell County, NC on September 12, 1926 and was the daughter of the late William “Bill” Smith and Athel Stallings Smith. Martha was a member of First Baptist Church where she was active in the Cauble Sunday School Class. She ran a Christmas shop known as Holiday Haven out of her basement for many years. When she was in her 20’s she was crowned “Miss Lenoir”. Martha was an avid golfer and social member of Mimosa Hills Country Club for over 50 years. She loved to garden and was a good cook and very proud of her children and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Fred V. “Ace” Black; sister, Annie Smith Pipes; and nephew, Eddie Pipes.
She is survived by her husband, Dwight “Bruce” Brakefield; son, John Edgar Black and his wife, Joyce of Greensboro; daughter, Angela Black Russell of Clemmons; step-daughters, Gaile Brakefield of Washington, Winn Robin of Colorado, Marisse Valles and husband, Hector of Washington, and Brooke Smith and husband, Brad of Washington; grandchildren, Christopher Witherspoon and wife, Tanya, Cassie Johnson, Charlotte Johnson, Wesley Johnson, Dustin Blatnik, Shawna Blatnik, Colin Waters, and Catlin Waters; great-grandchildren, Carson V. Witherspoon and Allie K. Witherspoon; sister, Billie Claire Hendricks; nephews, Bill Smith and Brian Smith; and niece, Suzanne Hall.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 20, 2016 in the Parlor at First Baptist Church. A celebration of Martha’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Dr. Bob Shepherd officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658 or to First Baptist Church, P.O. Drawer, 459, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.