MACGREGOR, Martha Slayden Born December 25, 1934, passed March 21, 2023. Hers was truly a wonderful life. Born in Memphis, TN on Christmas day 1934, the firstborn daughter of Travis LeGrande Slayden and Alice Reppard Slayden, Martha graduated from Hernando High School in Brooksville, FL and FSU of Tallahassee, FL where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Martha lived in a window of time that allowed her the very best this life had to offer. Her father, husband, children, grandchildren never fought in a war. She was a teenager in the thriving USA in the 1950s, she was married and had her children in 1960s when being a housewife was something to be dedicated to and commended, she raised teenagers in Tarpon Springs in the social media free 1970s, she watched her children get married and start their families in the innocent 1980s, raised grandchildren in the prosperous 1990s and enjoyed her retirement years in the 2000s. She was treated as a queen by Duncan S. MacGregor, her loving husband of 60 years, raised six children, 22 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Additionally she is survived by her sister, Reville Johnson; her brother-in-law, Rev. William Woodland Johnson and an large extended family of nieces, nephews and their offspring. Martha dedicated her life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was an outspoken and bold evangelist of her faith. She was equally dedicated to her roles as wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, daughter, niece and friend. As a true example of the Proverb 31 woman, Martha did not waste any opportunity to serve God and others with her many talents. Her singing voice opened doors for her to delight audiences from Brooksville, to Tallahassee, to Broadway and beyond. Her album "Without Clouds" inspired many in their walk with Jesus. She also excelled in the arenas of entertainment, decorating, floral arranging, community service, education and feeding an army. But perhaps the talent she was most gifted and known for was investing in people. Martha MacGregor never wasted an opportunity to encourage the person sitting next to her. She saw potential and value in everyone who crossed her path. We are all better people because of her. She was a wonderful person and a beautiful lady. She will be greatly missed because hers truly was a wonderful life. A memorial service celebrating the life and faith of Martha will be held on April 22, 2023 at 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, located on 501 E. Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. The family will hold a private interment service at the Bushnell National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Duncan.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times from Apr. 2 to Apr. 4, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha MACGREGOR

26 Entries

Mark

April 22, 2023

Marks thoughts on Mom

We were discussing how to honor Mom at her funeral and Travis suggested we all find one word that we felt represented Mom. He said his word would be encouragement. Funny, that was the word I would have wanted to use as well. That or maybe talented.
Question: Why are you here? In this sanctuary, in this moment?
Not a trick question.
Jesus shares in Matthew the parable of the talents. 5, 2 and one. Essentially He teaches, invest the talents I trust you with and I will give you more. Waste them and I will trust them to someone else.
Mom was blessed with many talents, many. But, I believe in this parable that Jesus was not referring to her ability to sing or entertain or decorate. The talent He trusted my mother with is you.
He brought into my mothers life a steady stream of "talents" for her to invest in and make better. We are all in some way, better, more talented people because we had the privilege of crossing the path of Martha Slayden MacGregor. She invested in you, she invested in me. She loved it. She was genuinely happy for us to have success. She looked at each of us and saw our potential. I will miss being able to tell Mom about something good that happened in my life and experience her retelling. How many times has she had my children swimming in the Olympics or me being the smartest man alive. Yes, my life is better because of her. I aimed higher because of her.
You are here because you are one of her talents.
The world is a better place because Jesus trusted her. Just look around you.
I´ll miss you Mom.
Love Mark

John MacGregor

April 22, 2023

My relationship with Mimi was a blessing I will cherish forever.
My entire childhood was illuminated by her love and encouragement, which I accepted with no pressure to return. All I had to do was be a vessel she could pour in to, and I leaned into that role with ease.

I remember one afternoon, not long after Popup died, we spontaneously went out to lunch together (First Watch of course). Not much had been said, but sitting across from her I suddenly felt overwhelmed by her love for me. It clicked! All at once the vessel was aware that it was filled to the brim... She caught that I could see it, and tears welled in our eyes. It was like waking up from a wonderful dream that you can´t quite remember to an even better reality.
That was also when I became aware of our friendship that had really always been there, thriving.

I felt undeserving, and then eternally grateful. She was just being the grandparent God created her to be, and I was just being her grandchild. For that I am blessed.

I love you Mimi and I can´t wait to pick up where we left off.

James Zentmeyer

April 22, 2023

Mimi,

A Lady of grace, beauty and love.

When you boil down all the things that Christ Jesus calls his followers to do it´s essentially: Love God and Love Others! Mimi did just that with her life. She kept the main thing the main thing, loving God as a priority and then loving others well! Mimi treasured good conversations about Jesus, she loved Slayden´s sermons and her time in Bible studies. Most of all her time spent in prayer with the Lord, that seemed to be a consistent part of Mimi´s walk with Jesus!
It is hard to love others if you yourself don´t know that you´re loved, Mimi knew and knows that she´s loved! Because of that love she loved well! She loved to lift others up and always make them feel like they were so special! I don´t ever remember a time that I heard Mimi brag about herself, but I have countless memories of her telling stories bragging about Popup or of her grandkids or great grandkids. Mimi was constantly spending her time to make us feel loved whether it was throwing a party or wrapping a gift or just sitting and telling stories. It´s simple, Mimi lived like we breathe- she breathed in Jesus´s love and breathed out love to all of us!

Thank you Mimi for always loving me so well! Thank you for giving to the Lord!
Enjoy His throne room of glory and grace, how can you keep from singing! I love you so hard and miss you lots, look forward to seeing you in God´s Kingdom! Your James!

Kelly Zentmeyer

April 22, 2023

Kelly Zentmeyer

April 22, 2023

Kelly Zentmeyer

April 22, 2023

Mimi had an incredible gift for making you feel like you were the most special and amazing person in the whole world. From the moment I met her while James and I were dating, Mimi always made me feel like I completely belonged in the family and made sure I knew that I was precious to her and deeply valued. Mimi, that meant more to me than you know! One recent memory that I´ll treasure was how Mimi firmly believed I had no rules in my household. Even though I am more of a rule follower than all the rest of the Zents, Mimi got it in her head at some point that I had no rules and said so to everyone. Even if it wasn´t quite accurate, I took it to mean that Mimi felt loved by me and I loved it!

I also loved Mimi´s stories. When she told stories you could tell that each memory she shared was so precious to her. She treasured her family so deeply! And made us all laugh too with her tales. I miss you Mimi! I love you so hard!!

Terrill Zentmeyer

April 22, 2023

Terrill Zentmeyer

April 22, 2023

Terrill Zentmeyer

April 22, 2023

The Songbird
She filled our days with wonder
When her voice was lifted high
Clear and true
Lovely notes filled the open sky
She raised her younglings fondly
Rejoicing as each flew the nest
As her family grew and grew, her mother`s heart
Swelled with pride within her chest
Her most passionate song
She sang for her lover
Who loved her so true and then ascended above her
How she yearned and was always excited
For the long awaited day when they´d be reunited
Fly, little songbird, fly!
Soar into the deep blue yonder
Meet your lover in the sky
Open your mouth and sing again
Of the light and life Jesus gives
Sing in His presence of the fullness of joy
For you live because He lives!

Tinsley Alice

April 22, 2023

Tinsley Alice

April 22, 2023

Tinsley Alice

April 22, 2023

Tinsley Alice

April 22, 2023

Tinsley Alice

April 22, 2023

Tinsley Alice

April 22, 2023

Tinsley Alice

April 22, 2023

Mimi,
I miss you so much! Thank you for loving me so well and for always pointing me to Jesus! Us grandkids were your whole world! You spent your time supporting all our endeavors, spent your thoughts praying for us, and spent your words encouraging us! We are forever changed by your belief in our dreams! Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders! I praise Jesus that my children got to experience your passionate love! They will always remember their Mimi! Give Pop-up and my Daddy a great big hug for me! I love you!
Forever your Pink Sugar Girl,
Tinsley Alice

Slayden

April 21, 2023

Mimi was a never ending source of love for her grandchildren. My entire life as her grandson I´ve experienced nothing but love and affection from her. She was the type of person that thought more of you than you did yourself. Every child should grow up with someone in their lives who believes in them unconditionally no matter what they do, and I´m forever grateful that she gave me that. I love you Mimi!

Joe MacGregor

April 21, 2023

"It seems like happiness is just a thing called Joe
He's got a smile that makes the lilacs want to grow
He's got a way that makes the angels heave a sigh
When they know, little Joe's passin' by
Sometime the cabin's gloomy and the table bare
Then he'll kiss me and it's Christmas everywhere
Troubles fly away and life is easy go
Does he love me good? That's all I need to know
Seem like happiness is just a thing called Joe"

My Mimi sang this to me with her beautiful voice what seems like now hundreds of times. I will cherish forever this song and the sweet memories of of your singing it to me. You will always be, Just My Mimi.

Love So Hard!
Your Joe

Jamie MacGregor

April 21, 2023

Jamie MacGregor

April 21, 2023

Jamie MacGregor

April 21, 2023

Jamie MacGregor

April 21, 2023

Mimi was the kindest, sweetest soul. 7 years ago, she welcomed me in to the family with open arms. She cared so deeply for everyone around her. I´m thankful my kids and I had the chance to know her. Her legacy lives on through her child, grandchildren and great grandchildren!
Love you MiMi,
Jamie MacGregor

Martha Zentmeyer

April 21, 2023

My precious mom and sister:
I treasure our times together and the laughs that we shared. I vividly remember the time we accidentally drove around the airport three times, all because we were talking and laughing so much.
Mom, we have no idea the sacrifices you and dad made to raise six kids, but we do know that you gave us the best life a kid could ask for. We never lacked for anything, especially our parent´s love! As a child, I loved coming home to your cheery smile and loving voice. You were always eager to hear about my day. You always made time for me and you encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
I remember playing outside and hearing the dinner bell ring, we would all come running. Dinner was a time to cherish, eight of us sitting around the table sharing our day, and of course, laughing at each other. We never missed, and you always provided a huge hot cooked meal. You deserve "The Best Mom In The World Award" just for that!
You were a constant prayer warrior.
You would walk with Mrs. Gills and Mrs. Bennett and pray for us. They did their fair share of praying for your kids, because you had so many.
You were a portrait of grace and beauty. You could tell a great story and captivate your audience with that beautiful smile. Upon meeting someone for the first time, you would always shake their hand and say, "How do you do?" (That is forever etched in my mind). I love that you embraced your era and gave us a picture of what your generation looked like. You imparted to me the meaning of a gentlewoman. One who is to be respected who embraces her femininity, who allows a man to be a gentleman. One fond memory I hold dear, was when you and dad and I were running an errand together. You went into a store and when you returned dad quickly jumped out of the car, while you instinctively stepped back, and he opened the door for you. He "always" opened your door.
You taught me how to love others and to see the good in them. You spent your days praying for your children, grandchildren and great grands while serving the Lord faithfully. This love for your Savior spilled over to your children, grandchildren and of course to the Love of your Life. My precious daddy. The affection you and dad shared bred security in our lives and will be passed down from generation to generation.

Finally, thank you for being there for me when I lost my FOREVER LOVE. You were my constant companion and friend during the loneliest of times. I know you are with him and Dad now loving on them for me.
God fulfilled your purpose here, Mom. You genuinely spread His Glory in a way that only you could. I love you, Martha Allen,Your Lady Bug!

Ronald Jack Taylor

April 19, 2023

I had the joy of being her friend and her pastor for a number of years in Tarpon Springs where the family was such a spiritual blessing to the community and Martha was one of the most radiant Christian wife, mother, Grandmother and Great that the world could ever imagine!!!

Slayden MacGregor

April 19, 2023

Mom was a beautiful woman inside and out. Likened to her biblical namesake, she was a compulsive worker and server; but more notably, Mom was a lover, always building up, seeing, and believing the very best in others, always encouraging; she would light up any room she walked into. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee; her father Travis Slayden moved the family to Brooksville, Florida to work in the citrus industry. Raised in Brooksville, Martha began singing in her home church (Presbyterian) choir at age 12. While music was her love language, she was an outstanding basketball player in High School and a general athlete in other sports. She was a debutante at the Rosalind Club of Orlando. She attended FSU and was a trapezist in the "FSU Flying High Circus." Her senior year at FSU she had the lead role of Carmen in the opera & received many rave reviews. She even produced her own TV show while in Tallahassee! While at FSU she traveled every Sunday to Thomasville, Ga. to sing in church. She sang in numerous church choirs and participated in many clubs, contests, and pageants. Martha was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and attended most of their annual reunions up to the recent past. Also, during her college years, she sang at the theater in Cape Cod as well as the Theater Under the Stars (Atlanta, GA) with professional entertainers: Boston Pops Orchestra, Hal Linden, etc. Martha was a longstanding member of the Tarpon Springs Racquet Club, the Junior League of Clearwater, the Clearwater Casado Club, Christian Women's Club of Tarpon Springs, she also took many art classes over the years and enjoyed floral arranging, entertaining, interior decorating, painting, and craft making. For years Martha taught piano and voice lessons and produced dinner theatres and public performances featuring her students. One of Martha´s most beloved projects was hosting the annual family-wide "Cousins Camp" at Bayport Florida, which she and her husband Duncan directed for over fifteen years. Martha and Duncan were married in August of 1957 and enjoyed sixty years of a happy and healthy marriage until Duncan´s passing in 2017. They raised their six children in Clearwater and Tarpon Springs Florida; during which times they developed endearing lifelong friendships.
In 1974-at a cocktail party-a woman shared with Martha her need to place her faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Martha knew this was the one thing she needed in her life, and she wanted God for her children. This began a wonderful spiritual walk with the Lord. The MacGregors became very involved in the ministry of First United Methodist Church in Tarpon through the 70´s and 80´s. Not too long after Martha was saved, both she and Duncan contracted cancer and their faith grew in great depth and breadth; it was at that time, and with the help of FUMC, she produced the gospel album Without Clouds. She traveled, sang and ministered for several years with her two sisters, Reville and Lee, performing as the "Slayden Sisters." She and Duncan spent their later years in Bayport Florida where they enjoyed their growing family. Our mother, grandmother and great grandmother is revered by all of us as an amazing matriarch; she is sorely missed.

Maria lelekis

April 8, 2023

I can't think of a more lovely person. Martha was a kind and generous soul and I was so blessed to have known her.
Sending lots of love and prayers to her beautiful family.

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