Martha Ticknor Brightsen

Born in Broome County, NY, February 4, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Leroy Ticknor and Jessie Staring Ticknor. After moving to Lynchburg in 1977, she served as the switchboard operator for Liberty Baptist College, now LU. She was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church and served a number of years with the Treasure Island Ministries. She retired from Red Lobster after 15 years of service where she served as hostess. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great mother.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, the Rev. Gilbert C. Brightsen; her daughter, Kristen Denise Brightsen and son-in-law, Daniel Webster.

She is survived by five daughters, Corrine Webster of Whitney Point, NY, Valerie Walters and her husband Michael of Spout Spring, Michelle Gates of New Port Richey, FL, Melanie Chaplin of Rustburg, Missy Brooks and her husband Steve “Bam” of Concord; 19 grandchildren, Jessica Watkins and her husband, Matt, Jennifer Roberts, Jared Gates, Chad Walters and his wife, Jennifer, Ben Webster and his wife Hillari, Chris Gates and his wife Angela, Kimberly Hildebrandt and husband Daniel, Jon Erik Chaplin, Sean Walters and wife Becky, Brennan Webster and wife Kim, Adam Gates and wife Katie, Lauren Parman and husband Micah, Andrew Blankenship, Katie Campbell and husband Cody, Shane Pettry and wife Meghan, Courtney Blankenship, Nicholas Pettry, Skylar Brooks and Carson Bryant and husband Jimmy; 28 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

A private service celebrating Martha’s life will be conducted at Thomas Road Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating.

Friends are invited to view the service online at http://watch.trbc.org/media/t/1_ng48aryj at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Friends may also pay their respects and sign the register both Thursday and Friday at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.

Interment will be conducted at a later date in New York.

Memorial contributions can be made to Thomas Road Baptist Church, www.trbc.org or to the Michael Youseff Ministries.