A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, in Pine Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery for Martha Houston Brasher, 88, of Oakland, who died peacefully at her daughter’s home on Friday, Aug. 8, surrounded by her loved ones. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them for the service and for a visitation and time of remembrance following the service.
Martha was born on Nov. 19, 1936, in Charleston, the daughter of the late James Glyndon and the late Mary Ella Houston. She grew up in the Pine Hill community near Oakland with her two brothers and sister.
Martha lived a life rooted in faith, family and hard work. She was a devoted produce farmer and enjoyed having her children work alongside her through the years where they learned her strong work ethic. Later, she followed her passion for food and hospitality by opening Martha’s Market in Grenada with her sister-in-law, Ann Brasher. The small soup and sandwich restaurant quickly became a town staple and brought her immense joy as she cultivated friendships and shared her warmth with every person who ate with her. She had a special way of putting her heart into everything she touched.
Martha was a proud and devoted mother and grandmother, which are roles she cherished most in life. She was a constant source of love, wisdom and strength to her four children and 14 grandchildren, who blessed her with 19 great grandchildren. Martha’s family brought her endless joy, which is evident by the legacy she leaves.
Known for her generous heart and unwavering resilience, Martha touched countless lives and was lovingly known as “Grammi” to everyone who came to her home. Her outer beauty was only matched by the beauty inside her heart. Whether working in her garden, preparing a warm meal or simply spending time with her children and grandchildren, Martha made everyone in her life feel loved and cared for.
In addition to her parents, one daughter, Amanda Brasher Mabus; one granddaughter, Ariel Brasher, and her brothers, J.G. Houston Jr. and Joe Houston, preceded Martha in death.
Survivors include, her children, Sam Brasher Jr., Seburn Brasher (Crystal) and Andrea Davis (Ronnie); 13 grandchildren, Clint Mabus, Brett Brasher, Ashton Campbell, Atley Mabus, Mallory Pratt, Sarah Betts Mabus, Jack Mabus, Katelyn Mabus-Presley, Brigg Brasher, Bruce Brasher, Blaye Brasher, Houston Brasher and Mary Ella Brasher; 19 great grandchildren, Lila Ray, Allie Grace, Austin, Becky Kate, Anderson, Ansley, Camp, Farah, Abby, Gatlin, Logan, Carter, Lane, Ann Hart, Marshall, Dawson, Isla, Karson and Britton; her sister, Marilyn Haynes (Ray), and honorary son, Eddie Reynolds.
Pallbearers will be Clint Mabus, Brett Brasher, Atley Mabus, Jack Mabus, Brigg Brasher, Bruce Brasher, Blaye Brasher and Houston Brasher.
