Martha Kayla Hale

Martha Kayla Branaman Hale, beautiful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and dear friend, passed away on July 15th, 2025. Although only 38 years old, the impact she had on those who knew her will last forever.

A native of Lewisburg, TN, Kayla graduated from Marshall County High School in 2005 and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She was a member of Lewisburg First United Methodist Church. At UT, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she made many lifelong friends. It was through these friends that she was introduced to her husband, Cody. After college, she started a life and career in Brentwood, TN, as a salesperson and entrepreneur. After getting married in 2014, she and Cody continued to build their life in Brentwood. Kayla was known for her graceful beauty, impeccable style, and warm, loving, generous spirit. She loved beautiful clothes, paper invitations, and entertaining, but mostly, she loved pouring herself into her family and friends.

Kayla had a remarkable way of making her friends and family feel special. No matter how full her schedule, she selflessly gave herself to everyone around her with a listening ear, a thoughtful gesture, and always with a quick-witted joke. Even in the final days of her courageous battle with cancer, she was asking others how they were doing. She was beautiful in every sense of the word.

Nothing meant more to her than her family and her beloved dog Jackpot. Her greatest pride and joy were her husband, Cody, and their two boys, Bowden and Bennett. She truly delighted in being their mama. She loved to proudly share stories and photos of their accomplishments, activities, and funny remarks. Her loved ones will never stop reminding them how much she loved them and how hard she fought for them.

She leaves behind a world that is better for having known her, and a family and circle of friends who will carry her spirit in everything they do — faith, family, and service to others.

Kayla is survived by her husband of 11 years, Cody Hale, and their two young sons, Bowden Arthur (4) and Bennett Clay (2). Her parents, Myra and Steve Bowden and Bill Branaman, sister Jenna Branaman Liggett (Cole), nephew, Grayson Scott Liggett, half sister Josey Branaman, step-brother Scott Bowden (Lea Ann), and step-sister Lauren Bowden Wells. She received tremendous support and love from her in-laws, Jeff and Dixie Hale, as well as her sister-in-law and loving Aunt to Bowden and Bennett, Morgan Hale (Elizabeth Wells). She is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss her terribly, along with a group of devoted, loyal friends in Lewisburg, Brentwood, and beyond.

Visitation will be held at Bills-McGaugh Funeral Home on Friday, July 18th, 4:00 – 7:00 PM and Saturday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, with funeral service following at 1:00 PM, also at Bills-McGaugh. A private burial will follow for family and close friends at Lone Oak Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or a dog rescue charity of your choice in Kayla’s name.

Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.