Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1934
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
Martha Gafford Obituary
Martha Grice Gafford has gone to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her family on Monday, May 6, 2013, at the age of 79, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., with Dr. Mickey Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in Black City Cemetery in Black, Ala., with Pittman Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday, beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Mrs. Gafford was born in Geneva County, Ala., on February 1, 1934, to the late John Solomon and Clara Huggins Grice. She was a resident of Fort Walton Beach since 1965. She was preceded in death by infant brother, John Wayne Grice; her infant sister, Clara Clovette Grice; and son-in-law, Richard Franszczak.
She was the beloved wife of 57 years to Charles Gafford; a devoted and loving mother to Lisa Gafford Franszczak, Linda Ellen Gafford and husband, Gary Surdell, and Stephen Charles Gafford and wife, Jean; proud grandmother to Daniel, Matthew and Joshua Franszczak, Andrew, Jonathan and Laura Tennenbaum, Nathan and Haley Gafford; sister of Sheralyn McDonald and husband, Elton, Karen Hammac, Richard Grice and wife, Charlie Faye and Evelyn Gengenbacher and husband, Jerry; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Gafford
Cecelia Anderson
May 15, 2013
Lisa,
You and yours are in my heart. Your family is amazing. I loved your mother the moment I met her: truly, "to know her was to love her." I have always admired your tight-knit family and your family's Christian witness. You are so blessed to have had such a wonderful relationship with such an amazing lady. We learn so much from our mothers; we are both blessed to have had such phenomenal role models. I love you, my friend. You are always in my prayers.
Ashley Hammac
May 10, 2013
Dear Family,
I wanted to let you know that I and my family share your mourning for Aunt Martha's decline in health and passing. I wish we could be there to give you all big hugs. Some of my fondest memories from childhood are at your house and talking to Aunt Martha. It was deeply saddening to hear about her setbacks in health and I can only imagine how it must have been for you all. At the same time, I look at hers and Uncle Charles' long happy life and legacy with great admiration and happiness. If there is anything we can do to help please let us know.
Love,
Ashley
PS: I'm attaching a photo that my mom shared with me not too long ago of Aunt Martha's and Uncle Charles' wedding.
Margaret Dodd Taylor
May 8, 2013
Dear Lisa,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Please know you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Karin Emmonds wetzel
May 8, 2013
To Lisa and Family - my heart goes to you for your loss; may you find comfort in each other and in God's promise for her eternal Life with Him. Thanks for the Alzheimer's reference; a cause worthy of her memory.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kaye "Williams" Miller
May 8, 2013
To Lisa and family,I'm SO sad and sorry for the loss of your dear mother. God bless you,prayers going up for you during this time. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Tammi Burke
May 7, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have so many happy memories of Aunt Martha and are blessed that she was part of our lives.
Pam Grice McComb
May 7, 2013
Dear family, my heart aches for all of you over the long journey of the past few years, but rejoice with you in knowing that Aunt Martha is now at peace in her heavenly home. Love and prayers from Pamela and family.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Martha Gafford's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Martha Gafford
How to support Martha's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Martha Gafford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
