With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we remember Martha Evangline Merchant, lovingly known to her friends and family as Marty, who passed away at the age of 88 on January 8, 2026, surrounded by family in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

She graduated from Redlands Senior High School in 1955 and carried her strength, faith, and determination with her throughout her life. In her later years, she made her home with family, where she remained a steady and loving presence. As it is said in Proverbs 31:31, “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, she loved God, the church, and her community. Each morning began with Christian music filling the home as she moved through her kitchen routine. Her faith guided every part of her life, and she believed strongly in standing up for one’s values. She was passionate about encouraging younger generations to be engaged in the world around them, and her convictions often took her to Washington and beyond as she advocated for what she believed was right.

Music was one of her greatest joys. She loved country and Christian music and traveled often to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry, where she delighted in the spirit of the music she cherished. As Psalm 104:33 says, “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” She shared her voice online, leaving behind recordings that continue to bring comfort and smiles. Each holiday season, she also brought joy to countless children as the beloved Mrs. Claus in the Wake Forest Christmas Parade.

She was known for her unmistakable sense of style. With white hair, sparkling outfits, and beautifully sequined suits, she carried herself like a country-Christian Dolly Parton. Her commitment to her appearance was truly legendary. She was rarely ever seen without makeup, and only illness could persuade her to appear otherwise — and even then, only briefly. She spent many years working at Dillard’s, trusted with counting money in the safe, and her family lovingly joked that she might one day pass still counting hundred-dollar bills.

And while her life was guided by faith and grace, her family fondly remembers her spirited side. Though Christian music played faithfully each morning, even a single fork or a few dishes left in the sink could test even the strongest patience. In those moments, her passionate reminders became a family legend, now remembered with laughter and love.

One of the greatest joys and proudest achievements of her life was the family she built and nurtured. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of five generations — children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond. As Matthew 25:21 says, “Well done, good and faithful servant! … Come and share your master’s happiness!”

She was preceded in death by her parents Albert Thompson and Martha Wilson Thompson; her brothers Wilson Thompson and Douglas Thompson; and her son Steven Stebbins.

She is survived by her children Debra Dart (Dennis) of NC, Susan Blair (Cliff) of NC, Gayle Fynaut (Jerome) of CA, Mark Stebbins (Kris) of NC, and Brenda of WA.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Misty, Scott, and David of NC; Brent and Christopher of NC; Mark, Daniel, and Jonathan of CA; Lonnie and Rayshel of WA; and Shawn of NC.

She is further survived by her great-grandchildren Ashley, Alexander, Andrea, Michaela, Seth, Christian, Kimberly, James, Austin, Christopher Jr., Autumn, and Destini of NC; Matthew of AK; Jacob, Joshua, Jonah, Daisy, Ayden, Paisley, and Noah of CA; Jonathan, Ezekiel, Ayziha, Kieley, and Owen of WA; and by her great-great-grandchildren Aurora, Layla, Riley, Wyatt, Luca, Molly, and Malachi.

Through them, her faith, music, strength, and love will continue to live on.

She is now at peace, singing with the angels.

The family will receive friends on Friday January 23, 2026 from 3-4pm at Bright Funeral Home with a 4pm memorial service to follow in the Bright Funeral Home Chapel.