Martha Johnson Rivenbark, 81, of Watha passed from this earth to her heavenly home on Monday, December 7, 2009 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

She was one of nine children born to Lee Geddie and Lonia Day Blanton Johnson in Rocky Mount on July 24, 1928. She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Lee Rivenbark; great granddaughter, Heather Morgan Rivenbark; sisters, Barbara Wells and Mabel Johnson; and brothers, Troy Johnson and Fletcher Johnson.

Surviving are her loving family; sons and their families, James Nathan Rivenbark (Mary) of Watha and their children, Tracy Roberts (Jeff), Patricia R. Knox and James Cameron Rivenbark, Philip Ray Rivenbark (Diana) of Watha and his children, Philip Anthony Rivenbark (Teresa) and Pamela Rivenbark, Edward C. Rivenbark (Diane) of Waller, TX and their children, Gregory Rivenbark (Summer) and Shannon Harris (Scotty); twelve great grandchildren; sisters, Lila Camp of Rock Falls, IL, Mae Hansley (Wilburn) of Scotts Hill and Catherine McGirt of Wilmington; brother, Marvin Johnson (Hazel) of Benson; and many nieces and nephews, including a devoted nephew, Joe Lee Johnson.

Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who loved her family dearly. Her daily walk exemplified her Christian beliefs, her work ethnic and her caring compassion for others.

She was a faithful member of Cora's Grove P.F.W.B. Church where she taught Sunday school as well as helping with other church activities. After working for many years as manager for Super10 Store in Burgaw she retired at the age of 78.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Cora's Grove P.F.W.B. Church with The Rev. Dean Walker and The Rev. W. E. Smith officiating.

Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.

Casketbearers will be Donavan Harris, Greg Rivenbark, Jeff Roberts, Jamie Rivenbark, Mike Johnson, Mike Baucom and Amery Wells.

Honorary bearers will be Willie Knowles, Willie Wells, Gene A. Wells, William Harts, Joe Lee Johnson, Alfred Owens and Ray Deal.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.