Martha Sue (Johnson) Church

Martha Sue Johnson Church, 85, of Statesville, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2015 at the Gordon Hospice House.  She was born January 14, 1930 in Iredell County to the late Austin Monroe Johnson and Minnie Keller Johnson. Mrs. Church a graduate of Harmony High School and on June 26, 1948 she married William Frank Church, who survives.  They had almost 67 years of marriage before her passing.  She retired from Wayside Elementary School where she was the cafeteria manager.  She was a member of Mt. Sinai Evangelical Methodist Church and served as the pianist for many years. Martha Sue loved the Lord and her church.  Her greatest joys were being with family and friends.  Playing the piano and cooking for family were her passions.  The grandchildren and great grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her ten brothers and sisters. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Frank; five sons, Ed Church (Maria) of Indian Trail, Mac Church (Debbie) of Statesville, Donald Church (Taryn) of Texas, Forest Church (Cindy), and Ralph Church (Leslie), both of Statesville; one daughter, Doris E. Church of Statesville; six grandchildren, Allison Lee Cazire, Elizabeth Ann Church, Karen Mayhew, Amanda Street, Nicholas Church, and Garrett Church; seven great grandchildren; numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at Mt. Sinai Evangelical Methodist Church with Revs. David Walters, William Wease, and Otis Johnson Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will visit with friends at the church prior to the service from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.