Martha Humphrey Beach, age 95, of Burgaw and formerly of Fairmont passed peacefully from her earthly life early Tuesday morning, December 4, 2012 at Pender Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit.

She was born August 9, 1917 in Robeson County and was the daughter of the late Jasper and Ethel Walters Humphrey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Van Gordon Beach from Greenville, NC, and two brothers, Jack Pope Humphrey and Robert Simpson Humphrey.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Margor B. Nye and her husband, Bill of Wilmington; son, Martin H. Beach and his wife, Ann of Burgaw; and five grandchildren. Marliam Van Beach Dannenberg of Idaho, Robann Ross Beach of Burgaw, Martin H. Beach, Jr. of Hawaii, Meredith Bonner Nye of Archdale, William Baird Nye, Jr. of Nebraska. Martha has 8 great grandchildren.

Martha was an active member of the Daughter's of the American Revolution and the First Presbyterian Church in Fairmont.

Martha was a professional clinical social worker. In the 60's she attended college at the same time her children were in college. She graduated with her bachelor's degree from Pembroke State University, worked for several years then returned to UNC Chapel Hill to attain a master's degree in social work. Martha worked in this professional setting with the State of North Carolina in Lumberton and Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, NC. In the final years of her working career she went into private practice, retiring at the age of 80. At this time, she moved back to Fairmont, living in the home she and Van had established early in their marriage. Martha maintained her home in Fairmont for another 12 years until her recent illness. She lived at Pender Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Care Facility in Burgaw for almost 3 years.

A memorial service will be conducted at a later date in Fairmont.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physician's Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or to First Presbyterian Church, 606 Church St., Fairmont, NC 28340.

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A memorial service will be conducted at a later date in Fairmont.