Martha Andrews Taylor

Today, the family of Martha Andrews Taylor wants to express and share our deep thanks, gratitude and appreciation for the joy and love she brought into our lives.

On February 2nd, we encircled her with love and sent her home with Jesus, in Heaven. Her main love in life was her family, and she is survived by her loving husband and best friend Peter Taylor. Their beautiful romance was unwavering from the moment they met; they were each other’s’ last dance and loved to hold hands. They were truly blessed by a love that brought them joy every single day.

Those who knew Martha will remember and treasure the qualities that defined her most. She lived life passionately and lit a room with her positive attitude and resounding laughter. Martha’s life was blessed with many deep friendships, and this circle of friends became her extended family and enriched her life immensely.

Martha valued her family and friends and she loved spending time with them. When she was with you, you knew immediately how important you were to her. Her family, friends, and others knew she trusted God, and she grew that trust through her faithful membership with the Church of the Good Shepherd for over 30 years. She believed you should have a good work ethic, always do your best, be a friend to others, and always share your blessings. She loved working in the yard and watching her flowers grow and bloom, but the seed she planted with her heart grew into the most beautiful tree of all, and it will continue to bear fruit for her family and loved ones for all time.

Martha never forgot a good story, and she blessed her children and grandchildren by telling and re-telling family stories that would have otherwise been forgotten; her memory was infallible. She lived life to the fullest, celebrating every day without regrets. She has left a legacy that makes our family proud – kindness, love, hospitality and faith.

Everyone who knew Martha realized quickly that she was an avid UNC fan. In fact, she loved watching all UNC sports and being their biggest fan. Her favorite sport of all was tennis, and played throughout most of her adult life. Her competitive spirit shone when her feet hit the court, and demonstrated well the passion she has for that which she loves.

Nothing gave her more pleasure than her children and grandchildren, who were the sunshine of her life, and going to their sports games, music recitals, weddings, and birthday parties. She loved to enjoy their many talents in art, culinary, music, and academics, and loved sharing in family traditions.

Martha is survived by her loving and devoted children; Renee Brooks (Randy) of Bellingham, WA, Ricky Ricks (Lisa) of Raleigh, NC, Sharon Morf (Fredi) of Raleigh, NC, Nancy Kerr (John) of New Boston, NH, and Beth Taylor of Kennesaw, GA; and many grandchildren; Zack Callaghan, Andrew Callaghan, Hannah Damelines (Juan), Rachel Ricks, Jeremy Ricks, Haley Mahan, Harrison Mahan and Grace Taylor. Also surviving are her brother Harold Andrews (Jeanne), and many nieces and nephews.

Martha was preceded in death by her loving parents Robert and Jeannette Andrews, and her two sisters Jean Jarvis (Gene) and Nancy Beard (Bill).

Our family extends special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Garst at Duke-Raleigh, her standing office staff, and overall hospital staff who remained faithful and compassionate throughout her care.

Let’s remember Martha when we sing “Holy, Holy, Holy,” when the sky is Carolina blue, when we pour a glass of wine or have an afternoon drink, when the sand is moving beneath your feet, and especially when we dance!

A celebratory service of Martha’s life will be held on Saturday, February 10th at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd, with a reception to follow. Arrangements are provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Rd, Raleigh NC, 27609. Condolences can be expressed at BrownWynne.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd – 125 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 – and Transitions Life Care – 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.