Martha Merkel Gambrell

Funeral service for Mrs. Martha Merkel Gambrell, 87 will be Thursday, July 21 at 11:00 AM at The First United Methodist Church of Talladega with the Rev. Ted Peterson officiating. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery for family members. She passed away Monday, July 19 in Talladega. Martha was born April 8, 1924 to parents Charles F. & Una Merkel in Birmingham, AL. She attended Auburn University and was a member of Delta Zeta sorority. Martha married Robert McClellan Gambrell of Talladega, where she and Robert owned a Cotton Gin, Agricultural business & farmed for many years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Talladega and spent the last 60 years of her life actively involved in the church mission of service and community outreach. She was the founder and leader in organizing the yearly Tasters Lunch sponsored by the church, which raised ten's of thousands of dollars for the church supported missions. She was also active in many social and community sponsored organizations. She is preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Robert Gambrell; brother Charles Merkel; her parents Charles F. & Una Merkel. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Armbrester of Long Beach, MS; son, Robert (Mack) Gambrell, Jr. (Sheila) of Birmingham; 6 grandchildren & 7 great grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 20 from 6:30-8 PM at Usrey. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First United Methodist Church of Talladega. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome .com Usrey Brown-Service Funeral Home will direct the service.