Martha Branson Davis Modlin. Age 97, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Martha was born in Randolph County, April 7, 1926, a daughter of the late Branson and Veva Allred Davis. She was raised in a dairy farming family in which love of God and family, community service, education, and hard work were instilled in her. She was proud to have milked 14 cows one evening as a youth when the regular milking hands were needed in the fields. She was a graduate of Trinity High School and then High Point College in 1947. Martha began her business career with Highland Cotton Mill as the Executive Assistant and later served in the office of Allen Jay School for twenty-five years. She was married to Lawrence Emory Modlin for 63 years prior to his passing in 2011. They worked together to operate the family tobacco farm where her love of hard work was evident. She enjoyed gardening along with canning the many vegetables and making jellies from the fruit orchard-never letting anything “go to waste.” She loved every type of flower, especially her zinnias. She knew the name of every plant in her extensive garden, as well as the birds she enjoyed feeding. The many delicious meals she cooked for her family and friends will be fondly remembered. Martha was preceded in death by her son, Ralph Lawrence Modlin and a grandson, Emory Joseph Modlin; three siblings, Jean Davis Swiggett, Sonny Davis, and Doris Davis Cashatt.
Martha followed the example of Jesus, devoting her life to love and service. She was a longtime faithful member of Fairfield United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, Church Council Secretary, and President of the United Methodist Women. She received recognition as the “Lay Person of the Year” from Fairfield in 2005. She could always be counted on to serve wherever she was needed.
Family who live to cherish her memory are her daughter, Betsy Sink and husband Dr. Michael Sink; and daughter-in-law, Sue Ellen Ridge Modlin. She was a loving “Mamaw” to her grandchildren Aaron Sink and his wife Kelly, Adam Modlin and his wife Chrissy, Meredith Sink Antley and her husband Chad. Great-Grandchildren include Haley and Wesley Modlin, Landon Carter; Mason and Kate Sink; Tyson, Hunter, and Aubrey Antley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her family followed her example of love and service as they faithfully cared for her so she could remain in her home for the last two years. Her mobility declined, however she was blessed with a sharp mind to the end of her life. She so appreciated her family’s care, as well as dedicated caregivers outside the family with whom she enriched by sharing her Christian love.
A Celebration of Martha's life will be held Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. at Fairfield Community Church (formerly Fairfield UMC) by Rev. Rich Tuttle and Rev. Oliver Helsabeck. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church Sunday from 2:30 until 3:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Fairfield Community Church, 1505 HWY 62 West, High Point, NC 27263. Online condolences may be made at Advantagearchdale.com
