Martha Gilstrap

Martha Gilstrap, 89, of Cartersville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 30, 1934, in Taylorsville, GA, to the late Samuel and Luna Garrison. She was the wife of the late James Alton Gilstrap.

Martha was a beautiful, kind, and compassionate woman who met everyone with a smile. After retiring from Bellsouth, most of her time was spent in the kitchen, preparing yummy meals and goodies for her family and friends. If not in the kitchen, Martha could be found at Belk, shopping the sales racks for good deals on the latest fashions. And with any purchase, she would insist on having just the right shade of lipstick.

Martha attended Cartersville First Baptist Church, where she was a member for 68 years. She loved her Sunday School class, the Friendship Class, and could always be found at class gatherings as well as the many senior adult functions held throughout the year. Above all, she loved her Lord and Savior and lived her life in a way that showed her deep faith.

Martha’s biggest joy in life came from being “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved each of them and was a huge influence in their lives. During the last week, Martha was surrounded by many of her grands and great-grands, laughing and crying, as they shared funny “Nana” stories. We will forever treasure these last days as a wonderful gift where we were able to show our love and say our goodbyes to this one-of-a-kind lady.

In addition to her parents and husband, Martha is also preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Hugh Garrison; sisters, LaVerne Turner, Hazel Daws, and Jerri Flournoy. Martha leaves behind her daughters, Donna (Ronnie) Gravley and Dana (Tim) Carrier; grandchildren, Scott (Ashley) Gravley, Nathan (Sarah) Gravley, Levi (Adrienne) Stoner, and Sara ( Trey) Turner; great-grandchildren, Fane Ferguson, Charli Godfrey, Madeline Gravley, Hunter Gravley, Tiv Turner, and Caroline Stoner.

The family would like to thank the staff of Manor Lake for the love and compassion given to “Miss Martha” over the last year. Every person involved in her care treated her with the utmost respect, kindness, and concern. The staff and residents truly became her family, and she loved each one dearly. Known as a “social butterfly,” she would stop and speak to each and every person she encountered. Whether it was bingo, joy rides, art class, live music, group exercise, or candy dice, she enjoyed every minute of her time in her new home.

The family will receive friends in the Lottie Moon Chapel at Cartersville First Baptist on Thursday, Oct 17, beginning at 12:00 noon, with the service to follow at 2:00. Officiating will be Pastors Danny Barker and Tim Samples. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Contributions may be made to Cartersville First Baptist Building Fund.