Martha New Milam

Martha New Milam

December 9, 2023

Durham, North Carolina - Martha New Milam, 67, of Durham, NC passed from earth's physical bonds on December 9, 2023. Her husband, Dan, was at her side. Martha's soul and spirit live on.

Martha was born in Durham, NC on November 19, 1956 to William J. New, Jr. and Jacqueline Pryor New. She attended public schools, graduated from UNC-Greensboro (Residential College – the Bumpass House) and obtained her law degree from Wake Forest School of Law.

Professionally, Martha practiced law in Durham, NC for 34 years (1987-2021). She earned the designation of Certified Family Law Specialist, and was always a timeless, devoted advocate for her clients. Martha was known as strong, honest and ethical, a steady and sound presence (often in the midst of legal chaos). She was a mentor, especially for younger female attorneys – many viewing her as a true role model. Martha believed in giving back to her profession, both as a volunteer in professional settings and with her pro bono efforts on behalf of others.

More importantly, through her belief system, her actions and her words, Martha left this world a better place. Her convictions about feminism, equality, fairness and justice, and her persistent distaste for hypocrisy, sprinkled with her devotion, wisdom and crackling laugh, were constants throughout her life.

Martha married Edmund D. (Dan) Milam, Jr., the love of her life, in 1992. She and Dan were devoted to, and cherished each other continuously throughout the remainder of her life (to love and to be loved – soulmates).

Martha was a true proponent for and provider of random acts of kindness. She achieved a level of inner calmness through her yoga practice, through body/mind centering training, and through her close friendships with others.

Martha's 'bites' include:

• Books, books, and more books to read

• Music – Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, roots music

• Ballet, dance (especially tap)

• Theater – Hamilton

• Special – Cindy, Denise, Philip, Forrest, Ian

• Baby elephants, Facebook, wordle

• Saturday brunch with 'the ladies'

• My husbey, my Dando

Martha is survived by her husband, Dan, by cousins and by nephews/nieces in law.

She was predeceased by her parents, William J. (J) New, Jr., and Jacqueline (Jackie) Pryor New, and by her sister, Cynthia (Cindy) New Oakley.

Martha displayed an amazing inner strength toward her cancer diagnoses and struggles. A special Thank You to Dr. Andrew Berchuck for his professional skills and bedside manner these past 24 years.

A Celebration of Martha's Life will be held in Durham, NC this coming spring – date, place and time to be announced. Please consider making a donation in Martha's memory to either of the following: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Children's, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.