Martha (Merritt) Teachey

A gracious, kind and loving lady, Martha Merritt Teachey, entered into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday February 17, 2026, at the age of 103.

She was born on September 13, 1922, in Rose Hill, North Carolina; the daughter of the late Willie Gregory and Margaret Ann “Annie” Teachey. Martha was also preceded in death by her husband Bennie F. Teachey, Sr.; their sons Bennie F. Teachey Jr., William “Billy” Teachey and James Gregory Teachey; daughter Nancy T. Iredale and granddaughter Amanda Lancaster.

She was a life-long dedicated member and active worker of Poston Baptist Church.  She was a faithful Sunday School teacher, Deacon, WMU president and a member of the Eastern Baptist Association.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her daughter Glenda T. Moore and husband John of Lawrenceville, Ga; grandchildren Denise Houghton and husband Tim of Holly Ridge, NC, Lori Keir and husband Allen of Harrells, NC, Jennifer Rinderle and husband Ed of Crested Butte, CO, Brent Iredale and wife Genie Decatur, GA,  John C. Moore and wife Virginia of Suwanee, GA, Melissa Teachey of Wallace, NC and Kayla Murray and husband Jeffrey of Wallace, NC; great grandchildren Ben Houghton, Matthew Keir, Hailey Carr, Abby Moore, Ellie Moore, Eva Claire Moore, Sam Moore, Tilly Rinderle, Leona Rinderle, Thomas Iredale, Jack Iredale, Bella Lancaster, Zayne Robinson, Madison Daniel, Rowan Murray, Gracie Murray and Colt Murray; great-great grandson Graham Carr; daughters-in-law Janice Kennedy, Clara Teachey and Gail Teachey; special caregivers Peggy Creech and Diane Barrett; numerous extended family and friends that loved Martha dearly.

Martha was a diligent homemaker who enjoyed being a wife, a mother and “Granny”.  With a big heart for the Lord and her children, she instilled love of family and love of God in each of them. Martha taught Sunday School until she was 82 years old.  She was an inspiration to many youth who later gave their hearts to Christ. Martha loved everyone and made sure that those she met knew God loved them more.  Although Martha had a big family to care for, she always opened her home to everyone for a bowl of delicious veggie soup.  Many visiting missionaries enjoyed spending Sunday afternoon around her dinner table sharing their stories of evangelism.  Martha enjoyed gardening, both vegetables and flowers.  She was the last surviving member of the Quilting Club, which produced several quilts for loved ones.  At age 94 Martha and Aileen Moore delivered Meals on Wheels to the “Old People”.

On Martha’s 102nd birthday she was honored with a big birthday celebration given by her family.  She was blessed with many family, friends and special guests to honor her on her special day.  Duplin County Commissioner Jesse Dowe was in attendance and read a proclamation from Duplin County and a letter from Governor Roy Cooper’s office wishing her a happy birthday.  Representatives from Duplin County Senior Services came and informed everyone that Martha’s picture would be placed in their Centennial Club Facebook page which was an honor.  Martha’s pastor, Chris Jarman came and spoke of her many years of service to her church.  He told how she always remembered everybody’s name, prayed for everyone and how involved and faithful Martha had always been.  He stated she had always been a part of the backbone of Poston Baptist Church.  What a grand time everyone had celebrating Martha’s birthday, but no one enjoyed it more than Martha herself. She was overjoyed and felt so blessed to have so many people who loved her and came to celebrate.

Martha was a true servant of God, a Proverbs 31 woman, a Christian mother, grandmother and great-great grandmother and a loyal friend to all.  She will surely be missed but her legacy will live on for many years to come. 

A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Poston Baptist Church with her Pastor Chris Jarman and her grandson John C. Moore officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha, NC

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Wallace Christian Academy (WCA), 4121 S NC Hwy 11, Wallace, NC 28466. 

The family would like to especially thank the staff at DaySprings of Wallace for the exceptional care they gave to Martha.  For the love you showed to her and for being so good and attentive to her needs (and wants). The family will forever be grateful to you. 

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, North Carolina    910-285-4005

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