I met Martha in the early evening on the very day that she moved into my apartment complex.  There she was carefully organizing her patio and deck area adorned with sentimental ornaments, chimes, planters and more, when we came to introduce ourselves.  This was the first out of many attempts that Martha would move and customize her prized possessions and memorabilia around this area to suite her liking.  The next time we met, it was quite funny…my dog, Jilbért (an “oversized” male toy poodle) began to run and pull me toward her home.  When we got there, Martha's poodle was wandering outside the gate, and instantly our dogs recognized that they had something in common.  Only thing was, my dog acted differently towards her dog, totally outside of his character, he instantly greeted, guarded and followed her dog everywhere.  Martha, later disclosed the many health issues that her adorable poodle had, and my male dog, acted as “protector”, actually, “Motherly” toward both Martha and her dog.  We laughed, and as time went by, there were many more visits that we shared until the passing of her precious “baby”.  Not understanding this, my dog would sniff and search for his new best friend, until I explained to him that Martha's dog was in heaven…suddenly, as Martha was already seated listening to me speaking to Jilbét as if he could understand my every word, without pause, my dog walked with his head down toward Martha, then, placed one paw on her lap.  Martha, petted him, then told me how amazingly smart poodles are and how we both knew (odd as it may seem) that they are capable of understanding us.  Jilbért, would not leave her side, yet, understood Martha's loss.  Martha, pointed out to me that she saw tears in his eyes, just like she had seen in her own dog.  I looked at him, and when we had to say goodbye and head home, I tried to tug and pull him away from her patio area, but he refused - just as they do!, even well after she went inside.  From there on out, my dog would head directly over to her home each and every time, no matter which direction of the complex that we would approach from.  By then, Martha and I began our strong bond, shared stories of our pasts, our values and how much “our stuff” surrounded us with joy and happiness, just like every item inside and outside of her apartment.  She would also drive over to my garage to see me, (I live up 3 flights of stairs!), or she would pull over anytime she would see us walking about (even driving backwards or blocking traffic) to meet me/us, while she was in her SUV driving out/into our complex, and we would chat for quite a long time catching up on our day, past discussions, about our common health issues of the day, and although 30 years separated us, we had so many complex yet mutual interests and histories behind us, that it had appeared that somehow, somewhere, our paths once crossed before.  Instant friends!

When I learned of her peaceful passing from Kathy, I was deeply saddened by the news, as we all say, “it seems like just yesterday when…” we last saw each other, but, reality check reminded me that 6 months passed by (I had moved in with my Father for 3 months as caregiver to him after his surgery) so my daily schedule changed drastically as I continued visiting him while my Sister took over.  Upon returning home, I would lightly give a knock on the glass door, although the curtains remained drawn shut, or at her door once in awhile, and kept expecting her to be there.  I remembered, she told me about an upcoming procedure, so I assumed her recovery period was spent with one of her daughter's, even asked our mutual physical massage therapist if he had seen her.  I never said goodbye, dear friend.  

Martha had a remarkable graciousness, with soft kindness, gentle hugs, undying love for family and friends … such a beautiful person both inside and out.  I personally felt spiritual around her, especially after she told me one particular story (legend) in her garden where she kept “the Women Protector”.  I began daily visits (even driving over to her apartment when I was unable to walk that far) to kneel and pray to this symbolic statue.  I am not one who usually maintains a balance of religious beliefs, this was different.  It appeared that every time I asked for something to happen, or prayed for direction and guidance, something outstandingly coincidental would happen in my life.

Yes, Martha, greatly influenced my life.  She (silently) made me realize that each day was worth getting up and out, staying in motion, regardless of how you were feeling, mostly, as I soon realized, that I had never, never, ever never, seen her without a full face of make-up ~ morning, noon nor night!!  Today, as I type this message, I just want Martha to know, and she does (I feel it), that I started wearing make-up, even doing my hair -- in other words, because of Martha, I am a better person and I feel so blessed to have shared in so many aspects of her life.  

To Kathy, Tricia and Thomas, and to all of your extended beautiful respective families, I send my heartfelt condolences to you all, with highest honor, to her great legacy, filled with loving dedication and special memories.  Godspeed, as I remember someone too special to ever forget.

Leslie Reé

The last of the second generation Rayburn clan.  She loved her whole family so very dearly.  We will all miss her generous love.  We will miss her open arms, the twinkle in her eye, and the joy in her welcoming smile.  My cousin Martha -- so beautiful, such style,so full of grace.  She's gone; I cry; and Dallas will never be the same for me.  But then I smile with beautiful memories of love.

Love to all, Buck Bartley, Brookeville, MD.

Our deepest condolence to the Dye family for the loss of your beloved Sugar. It has been a great honor to have known this lovely lady. To Tricia & Randy, Angela & Blake, Stephanie, Brandon, Brooke & Grant, and all other family members, as you face each day during this difficult time, may you find comfort in the cherished memory of her life.
All our love, Jan & Carl

It was a pleasure to know you, Sugar. I join your family in remembrance of a truly lovely person.

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you,

your always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.

Sugar 

I have spent the last several days going over all the memories I have of you. Some of which made make me laugh, and some made me cry. I thank God for the time he gave us with you, but will miss you a lot. It makes me smile to think that â€œhands downâ€ you are definitely the BEST DRESSED in Heaven right now. I love you

Stephanie

OBITUARY

Martha Ann Dye

September 20, 1926 – June 19, 2012

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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