Martha Ruth Brown

On December 20, 2025, our beloved mother Martha Ruth Marie Thompson Brown was received in the loving embrace of the Father, free from pain and sorrow rejoicing in the presence of Christ.

She lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to Jesus and guided by the teaching of holy scripture. She was a faithful wife, loving mother, and good friend to many.

Martha, was born in the “Little Jerusalem” community of Troy, NC, on June 4, 1929, to Richard (Rich) Thompson and Florence Ina Shaw Thompson.

Preceded in death by her father, mother, and stepfather, Fred Cranford, step brothers, Thaddeus Cranford, Harold Cranford and step sister, Frances Hicks, beloved sisters, Dorothy Thompson Yarborough Dennis, Rachel Thompson Murchison, and Caroline Thompson, brothers, Archie Thompson, James Dermont Thompson, half-brothers, Filmore Thompson, Eldridge Thompson, Talmadge Thompson, Doss Thompson, Rankin Thompson and half-sister, Ethel Thompson Varner.

Married first to Richard Bateman, then Darrell Brown for over sixty years, who both preceded her in death.

Loving mother of Carey Neil Bateman (Nancy), Thomas Brown, and Shawn David Brown (Emmanuel Castro), grandchildren Richard Todd Bateman (Lori), and Alisha Bateman Burcham (David), great grandchildren, Olivia Carol Burcham, and Richard Cole Bateman, a special friend who was like a daughter Martha Ritchie of Concord, and special friends, Bill and Nancy Ellis.

Employed for over forty years at Carolina Seating and retired from Carson’s Inc., of Archdale. She worked several jobs after retirement until the age of 86 years old. She was active at Grace Lutheran Church in Thomasville as former president of Lutheran Church Women and the Augsburg Sunday School Class. She was also active in lots of women’s studies.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Piedmont, Cameron Phillips, NP, nurses, Summer and Jackie.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. C.W. Moss officiating.

The family will visit with friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice of the Piedmont, Grace Lutheran Church in Thomaville or Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.