Martha Elliott (Byrd) Lancaster

Martha Elliott (Byrd) Lancaster, age 72, of rural Glasgow passed away at her home on November 27, 2025, lovingly cared for by her family.

Martha was born on October 2, 1953, in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  She married the love of her life, Benjamin Joseph Lancaster, on April 29, 1988, in Jacksonville.  Professionally, Martha graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education and taught art to various grade levels in local North Carolina public schools where she lived.  Martha loved gardening, bird watching and artistic works.  She looked for the good in everyone, was sociable and loved people.  Most of all she loved and was loved by her husband and son and was faithful to her God and shared her faith and encouragement with others.

Martha will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Benjamin Lancaster and her son, Benjamin Matthew Lancaster.  She was preceded in death by her parents, John William Byrd, Jr. and Mary Shirley (Etheridge) Byrd.

Martha’s husband wrote the following tribute honoring her:

“My wife was a true Southern Christian woman, who reached out to everyone she met, who knew no strangers.  My life will never be the same without Martha.  She was the whole reason for living, her smile, her good humor, love and affection for me and her ability to always say and do the right thing.  Her passing has left a void in my heart that will not be filled until I see her again in Heaven.  She praised God everyday and lead me to a closer relationship with my Lord and Savior.  She accepted me, with all my faults, and gave me strength, purpose and an understanding that the Lord loves us and will accept us as we are, as long as we repent.  She taught me that we are all born in sin and that we have to struggle daily to keep God’s precepts.  Doing so will give us salvation and allow us to walk our journey towards sanctification.  I vow to keep myself in God’s word so that I may have the hope and love that she did.  I look forward to the day that I may join her in Heaven.  That will truly be a day of rejoicing!

May God bless and keep her until I can join her and keep us both throughout eternity.”

A funeral service honoring Martha’s life and relationship with her family will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin with Rev. Harold Young officiating.  Burial will follow at her beloved home near Glasgow.

Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.

Markland-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve Martha’s family.

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