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Martha Mason Obituary
Stricken with polio in the epidemic of 1948, she had lived 61 years in an iron lung, longer than any other polio survivor in the world.
Following a year of hospitalization after she was stricken, she returned to her parents' home. Her doctors told her and her parents that she could not possibly live a year, if that long. The late C.C. Padgett, principal of the Lattimore Schools, organized a home schooling program for her. She graduated from Lattimore High School in 1956, first in her class. She graduated from Gardner-Webb College (now Gardner-Webb University) in 1958, first in her class. In 1960, she graduated summa cum laude from Wake Forest University, first in the first class to graduate from the University's Winston-Salem campus. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Her book, "Breath: Life in the Rhythm of an Iron Lung", was published to critical acclaim in 2003. In September of that year, Wake Forest University honored her with its Pro Humanitate Award. The following year, Gardner-Webb University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters. She was a member of Shelby Rotary Club and had been awarded its Paul Harris Fellowship.
She is survived by two longtime and devoted caregivers, Ginger Justice and Melissa Boheler.
Memorial Service: Wednesday, May 6, 3 p.m., Lattimore Baptist Church, where she was a lifelong member
Visitation: Friends will be greeted in the fellowship hall of the church, one hour before the service.
Burial: Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her parents, Willard and Euphra Ramsey Mason; and her brother, Gaston Owen Mason, who died of complications from polio the day Martha was stricken in 1948
Memorials: Martha Mason Scholarship Fund, c/o Gardner-Webb University, P.O. Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017; or Lattimore Baptist Church, P.O. Box 188, Lattimore, NC 28089
Funeral home: Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory
Online guest registry: www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Mason
Michelle Cutrel
June 7, 2009
Hello. I never knew Martha. I was sent this link by a person in one of my support groups. I just wanted to say Martha's story is so inspiring. It brings me to tears how she showed so much Faith under the circumstance's she was in, and how she made it so far and had done so much. It takes a strong person to come through everything she has delth with. I am sorry for her loss, but her memory will live on.. Forever.
Karen Goode
June 2, 2009
Martha was such a great friend and inspiration to me and my family. She will be missed. I don't ever remember a time when I did not know her. She has now taken Jesus by the hand and it walking with him.
Mariam Elias
May 13, 2009
i am from Isreal and i meet Martha last May when i was visiting the states.
she gave me her book after she asked to be signed. it was a privillage and a honor to meet her.
I was also so blessed to read her book and even during my stay one of ladies saw the book and she was so blessed to read it.
I am sure that God will give you all the strength that you need.
she was so special and I am sure that God was so proud of her.
May 7, 2009
Lloyd graduated with Martha at Lattimore High School and it was a joy to visit with her through the years. What a lovely, intelligent person who extended her friendships to people nationwide.
Angela Sides
May 7, 2009
I grew up in Lattimore, and visited Martha quit often with the church youth. She was always smiling and happy no matter what. She will be missed.
caroline dedmon
May 7, 2009
My uncles used to help to be sure Martha's generator was working. When a storm came up they would leave Grandma's house to go over to check on Martha. Bob would get a group of us together at Christmas and we would sing carols for her. Martha as much a part of Lattimore as Lattimore was a part of Martha. She was always so kind and sweet to everyone she knew and met. Her friendships extended far past the boundaries of states and countries. That big metal tube may have held her body but her mind and spirit soared where eagles fly. Now she is held in the arms of the Lord.
Ruth Poole Bodenheimer
May 6, 2009
Martha was such an inspiration to me while a student with her at Gardner Webb. She has influenced my life in many ways, especially when working with handicapped children. I will always remember her sweeet smile and the positive outlook she gave to everyone. She has been a blessing to the world with her life. Now, she's with God and I know she's rejoicing in His presence.
Linda Geist
May 6, 2009
As a polio survivor, its always sad to lose one of our own. I did not know Martha but am inspired by her story which will live on. May her family and friends find peace in knowing her story lives on and gives others hope.
janet adams
May 6, 2009
she was a great pearson in whome we should get a lesson by,appreciation of life.to be truley greatfull for each day.there is always a blessing that we fail to see.rip and god bless you.
Sue Brennan
May 6, 2009
What a courageoue awe inspiring woman who is in Heaven now.
serhat yazka
May 6, 2009
I dont have any chance to meet with her. today I heard that she was died :(. sometimes we rebel to Allah for our having troubles. but when I learned about Martha, I repented. even if she was full of life, how could i rebel !!!! May Allah put you to heaven... Serhat From Turkey...
Elizabeth Bean
May 6, 2009
I am a student of Betty Stephen. She told me all about Martha. I think she is so inspiring. I can also see her running down the streets of gold.
matthew boheler
May 6, 2009
martha mason was a good person I beside her for two years she was a good lady to meet I loved her my dad grew up in lattimore his name is james boheler and his brother did to.
Sherri Cox
May 6, 2009
A friend told me to read Martha's story, "Breath". After reading the book, I knew that her appreciation for life here on earth was something to be envied. Can you imagine her reward in heaven?
Glenda Blanton
May 6, 2009
Martha was so pleased when the Class of '56-'57 GWU Reunion Committee visited her and announced that we were establishing The Martha Mason Scholarship to be used for students with disabilities. What a challenge her very name evokes for every student - with or without a disability.
JT Leatherwood
May 6, 2009
I remember martha from behind a computer screen. I ran a computer Bulletin board before the Internet was popular when I was in Highschool. She would log on and have her computer read to her the Shelby Daily Star articles which were posted on my computer. I remember chatting with her quite often, thinking how incredible it was that she could do something like this and that she had such a wonderful outlook on life. She loved having someone to "chat" with. For some reason I recently brought her up in a group of friends from church and decided to reconnect with her. I was able to trade emails with her in mid-April, and was trying to set up a time to come visit (for my first time "in person"). I guess it is appropriate that this meeting didnt occur and that my memories of her are of how I knew her, emails and words on a screen, though still such a wonderful and strong person that touch so many people. Thanks, Martha, for being an ispiration for a highschool student (now in my late 30's) and so many other people.
Lilly Simmons
May 6, 2009
What strength of character!
Autumn Goode
May 5, 2009
Dear Martha,
You were a fantastic person and a great person in God's eyes. Now you're with your family, and everyone misses you here, on Earth. It's so hard to think about all the times I went with my grandpa (JB Williams) to see you. And on the 4th of July, going to see you with all of Kim's kids. I miss you a lot. I wish i could've gotten to see you. I love you and I know your in a better place.
Sally Blanton
May 5, 2009
Martha was an amazing woman who impacted every person she came in contact with daily. One of those people was my granddaughter right after Martha's book had been published. She read the book and then told everyone she came in contact with about this amazing woman she had the privilege to meet personally! She is so glad she had that once in a lifetime opportunity, as am I, because Martha left a lasting footprint on this little girl. She realizes how important it is to make the best of every opportunity that comes her way no matter what challenges she may face in life because of Martha Mason. Hannah has a framed picture that was made with Martha that she will cherish the rest of her life! What a legacy and example she has left on those of us who knew her!
May 5, 2009
Dear Martha,
Thank you for you inspiration! Your amazing spirit and humor and smile will always be a part of our lives. You were one of the most couragous people we have ever known.
Oh how wonderful for you now as you can run the streets of Heaven with that beautiful smile of yours!
Well Done Martha-God Bless you for the positive legacy you gave us all!
Love,
Beth and Alan
Joanne Bertsche
May 5, 2009
Martha has been an inspiration to Rotarians around the world as they mobilize to eradicate polio where it still exists. From her iron lung, she moved many to END POLIO NOW. Martha's dream may soon be realized.
Bruce Buchanan
May 5, 2009
Although I never knew Martha, I felt as if I did after reading her book and seeing the documentary about her. Her life story has been an inspiration to me and countless others. Thank you Martha!
Paige & Zoey Stiltner
May 5, 2009
Martha was one of the most special, and angelic people that I have been blessed to meet in my life. It was last summer that I watched the documentary called ,"Iron Lung", and after watching that I was so inspired by her story that I searched until I found her phone number and I called and talked with her on the phone, and asked if I could come and visit her sometime. She kindly excepted my request and in less than 2 months later I was knocking on her door. Me and my 1 1/2 yr. old daughter Zoey went and that ended up being one of my favorite days of my life. I was so emotionally touches by her warm spirit, and happy demeanor, and her knowledge on different subjects was extraodinary. She was just amazing. I was truly blessed to have met her, and I am sad that I won't be able to go visit her again this summer, but I am overly joyed to know that she is going to be with our Savior and family and friends that have already gone on, and she will never again be bound by any heartache, or pain, or an iron lung. Praise the Lord!
Mary Ann Everett
May 5, 2009
Rarely do we encounter a life so abundant in intellectual energy, vitality and love. All done within the confines of a breathing apparatus. Martha's inspiration will live with us forever.
Judith Parker-Proctor
May 5, 2009
We were truly blessed people to have had Martha with us for these many years. The lives she touched are numerous and worldwide, the hearts can't be counted. What a legacy she leaves behind as she soars with the angels.
John Martin
May 5, 2009
Martha has always in my life, a constant. I’ve known her since I was a young boy, and over the years I have talked to her, emailed with her, discussed books and movies with her, and now I know that I will miss her. She was easily the most amazing person I have ever met.
Shelly Wilson
May 5, 2009
My mom, Marian Stroupe, worked in the hospital when Martha was first diagnosed with polio, and knew her parents and brother, Gaston. It was a wonderful privilege that, after more than 50 years, she got to visit Martha in Lattimore, and to share memories together. Martha lived her life fully, and brought joy and thanksgiving to all of us!
jennifer wright
May 5, 2009
martha was an inspiration and will be missed.
Name Withheld
May 5, 2009
I was diagnosed with a chronic illness about the time I began reading Martha's book. I was so inspired by her courage and determination and I admired her so much. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a truly amazing person!
Arlen Honts
May 5, 2009
I first heard of Ms. Mason when the Shelby Rotary Club decided to extend membership to her. As a member of Shelby Rotary, I was intrigued by her incredible story. Having moved to Kansas, I am involved with the Rotary Club of Wichita. We recently had a program on polio and I got the chance to sit at the head table with our speaker - another polio surivor. As we talked, I mentioned the story of Ms. Mason. Our speaker responded enthusiastically that she had read Ms. Mason's book and was inspired by her story. Ms. Mason's impact reached far beyond her iron lung.
Betty Bridges Stephen
May 5, 2009
Marth Mason has always been very special to me. We graduated from Lattimore High School and Gardner-Webb College together. I have tried to keep in touch every time I visited in N.C. from my home in Texas.
She had a wonderful outlook on life and you always felt better after seeing her.
Her book was an inspiration to me and I was glad when she was able to write.
I can see her running down the streets of gold. She touched so many lives.
Tillie Duncan
May 5, 2009
Thanx for the life of Martha Mason, one of my earliest playmates and an inspiration par excellence.
Catrinna Patterson
May 5, 2009
I remember going to visit Martha when I was a child. Sometimes it would be just my Mom and me visiting and sometimes it would be with a group of kids from Lattimore Baptist Church. I remember being impressed, even as a child, at how kind Martha was and how she made everybody feel welcome in her home.
Steve Leatherwood
May 5, 2009
Martha Mason was one of the strongest individuals I have ever known. I met her shortly after moving to Shelby in 1975 and have stayed in touch with her over the years by email, phone and visits. She always had a joke, smile and kind word for me every time we talked. She is an inspiration and a hero. We recently talked about the "good old days" when she logged on to my son JT's computer bulletin board service (before Internet!!!) and read the Shelby Headline News. What a woman. She will be missed.
May 5, 2009
We were so sorry to hear about Martha's passing. My mother, sister and I were introduced to Martha by her good friend Pat Palmer, and we are all better people for the experience. Her ability to make her iron lung disappear amazed us all and they were visits that you could never forget. You left her home feeling rejuvinated and inspired, without once feeling pity for this remarkable lady because she was living her life in a way that we could all take lessons from.
We send our condolences to all her friends but especially to Ginger and Melissa. Our prayers are with you both during this time of loss.
Michealette Barrington, Michealette Mac Donald and Frances Oram. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Patricia Greene Palmer
May 5, 2009
Martha was a classmate of mine at Lattimore School from the first to the fifth grade. I remember well the summer of 1948 when she contracted polio. Our friendship continued over the years, and I have many wonderful memories of time spent with Martha---parties with her and other classmates (including a very special Red Hat Party), just hanging out on occasion watching basketball (she was an avid Wake Forest fan, I a UNC Tarheel fan) or just a quiet supper with her and Melissa or Ginger when I was in Shelby.
When I first took my husband, Dan, to meet Martha, he was a bit apprehensive not knowing how to respond to someone who had spent most of her life in an iron lung. Early in our visit somehow the fact that Dan had spent a year studying at Cambridge in England came up in the discussion. Immediately Martha began asking questions about the different Colleges and about rowing on the River Cam. One would have thought that Martha had actually spent time there. She had a wonderful knack of putting visitors at ease and of discussing any subject that might come up. Dan became an instant admirer and fan of Martha as did everyone who met her.
She had a great sense of humor. Once on Halloween I was with her while the trick or treaters were making their rounds. A little girl came to the door and seeing Martha in her iron lung asked “What’s wrong with that woman?” Martha overheard her and before I could respond said, “Tell her this is my Halloween costume.”
Martha was the bravest person I have ever known. She faced her adversities with courage, determination, and grace. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void for those of us who called her friend but our lives are richer for having known Martha
May 4, 2009
I have always been amazed at this wonderful ladies spirit and sense of humor. She will be deeply missed.
Pat Green, Mooresboro,NC
Loretta VanOrden
May 4, 2009
Martha was my hero. We shared e-mails about astronomy. She told me when she sees the night sky she always thinks of me. Now when I see the night sky, I will always think of her.
Joe Greene
May 4, 2009
What an incredible and inspirational lady and what a life lived and shared. As sad as it is for our community to lose her, how wonderful it is for her to walk freely the streets of Glory and be reunited with her family and loved ones who have gone on. What a legacy of life and humanity she leaves for us. Martha will never be forgotten.
Bobby&Sarah Allen
May 4, 2009
She was a wounderful Lady.we are going to miss her.
Nannette Bumbaugh
May 4, 2009
My former Supervisor, Janet Withrow Walker, first introduced me to the name "Martha Mason". Janet shared with me this miraculous woman and person that I'd never heard of til Janet shared with me! Martha did more "living" in her iron lung than those of us able to walk about and breathe and work unrestricted. Thank you Janet, for sharing "Martha" with me!..... love, Nannette L. Bumbaugh
JB and JoAnne Williams
May 4, 2009
Although Martha'a body was encased in an iron lung,her spirit was always out in the community because of her influence of all the friends she had. We were all blessed to have known her. She was a great friend to all. Her Christian life
was always a witness to everyone.
Hannah Blanton
May 4, 2009
martha mason was a wonderful women I used to live behind her when I was only 4 months old the obituarie explains her so well and I thank you so much for shearing her story with yet more people than before
My Name Is Hannah Blanton & I Am 10 years old
And I loved Martha Mason
Pat Richards
May 4, 2009
Free at last.
What an inspiration here, and what a wonderful thought to think of her standing at the foot of the throne without a care.
Ed Wise
May 4, 2009
To a good friend and the best computer student ever, I know you are now dancing on the streets of Heaven.
Brandon Zoch
May 4, 2009
Thanks to Martha for her example of endurance and steadfastness.
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