Martin Luther Braswell, Sr.

Martin Luther Braswell, Sr., age 98, of Morganton, North Carolina went to sleep in Jesus on December 6, 2024 at the Waters of Roan Highlands Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Roan Mountain, Tennessee.

Martin was born on March 11, 1926 at his childhood home on Sugar Mountain #2 Road in Newland, Avery County, North Carolina. He was a son of the late Romulus Linney Braswell and Dolly Bowman Braswell.

Martin and his siblings were raised farming the land, cutting timber, gathering wood for the harsh winters, tending to farm animals and riding horses. When he was not working on the farm, Martin was a golf caddy at the Eseeola golf course. As a boy, Martin memorized John 3:16 and he claimed this precious Bible promise. Martin and his family attended the community Sugar Mountain Church that his grandmother helped to establish (which later became Sugar Mountain Baptist Church). Martin’s Dad Linney would build a fire and ring the church bell before each service. The Braswell family loved music and enjoyed playing instruments and singing together in their home and church. Martin’s instrument was the guitar. He often told of the time when the original Carter Family performed at the Sugar Mountain Church.

In the late 1940’s, Martin moved to Morganton and began working at Broughton Hospital. He met Myrtle in the staff cafeteria while they were both working at Broughton Hospital. They married on August 1, 1948. In 1954, Martin was drafted into the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during the Korean conflict. After his two years of Military service, Martin returned to work at Broughton Hospital where he retired as Superintendent of the Maintenance Department in 1987 after 42 years of service. He was a Charter Member of the North Carolina Disabled American Veterans (DAV) #43.

Martin and Myrtle raised their two children, Deborah and Martin Jr., in Morganton. They bought land on his beloved Sugar Mountain #2 Road in 1962. The Sugar Mountain Church built a new church up the road in the late 1960’s. The previous church building (that Martin attended as a child) already adjoined Martin and Myrtle’s property and in 1974 they bought the former church which was reconstructed into a house.

Martin loved Jesus and he joined the Morganton Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1965 where he served as a Deacon. In his final months, Martin confidently confirmed that he was ready for Jesus to return. Martin loved his family and his favorite pastime was spending time with them. He especially enjoyed spending the summers on Sugar Mountain working with his children, grandchildren and grandpups. He loved teaching them how to mow, weedeat, cut firewood, pick up sticks, grow green beans, etc. Martin had the best silly sense of humor and he was always singing or whistling a tune. It was a precious and treasured time. Although Martin was physically unable to work by the time his great-grandchildren arrived, he enjoyed each moment he got to spend with them. He loved his country and he had many interests, including cars, trucks and farm equipment. Martin also loved his many friends and he enjoyed eating breakfast with several friends each morning at Timberwoods.

In addition to his parents, Martin was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Myrtle Walker Braswell. His son-in-law, James Don Roberson. Three brothers, James Clifton Bailey, Hugh McDonald Braswell and Henry Ford Braswell, two sisters, Ethel “Billie” Bailey and Hattie Louise Braswell Rominger.

Martin leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughter, Deborah Elaine Braswell Roberson (Beryl Richard Wright) and his son, Martin Luther (Debbie) Braswell, Jr. His grandchildren, James Martin (Sabrina) Roberson Sr., Jennifer Leigh Roberson (Lance Beryl Wright), Lindsey Nicole Braswell (Cadyn) Laffon, Joshua Tyrone Travis (Heather Bastardo) and Kevin Lance (Amber) Roberson. His great-grandchildren, James Martin Roberson, Jr., Weston Lee Roberson, expected Baby Boy Roberson, Cohen Clint Laffon, Cade Martin Laffon, Ryan Walker, Garrett Watts, Haven Watts, Serenity Travis, Joshua (Debbie) Roberson, Levi (Emily) Roberson and their two children. Martin also leaves behind his sister, Georgia Belle Braswell Skidmore and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.

Services for Martin Luther Braswell, Sr., will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Morganton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Steve Bietz, Pastor Barry Mahorney and Pastor Tim Sheridan officiating. Graveside service will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., at Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Martin’s beloved caretakers, Denise Hudson, Martha Hudson, Grace Hudson and Blenda Walker and to the staff of the Waters at Roan Highlands Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Morganton Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2187 Jamestown Road, Morganton, N.C. 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.