Brevard - Martha Ruth Pressley Tinsley, known to many as Grandmama Martha, 94 years young, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 1, 2024, as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  She got to see the Savior she loved so much face to face.

She had lived her entire life in Brevard and was very active in her church and her community.  She was a true servant of the Lord, and her last selfless act on this earth was stocking food at Anchor Baptist Warehouse to be given away to others.  She was always willing to help others, especially those in need.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Donald "Bud" Tinsley, her parents Hilliard and Mariska Pressley, her baby brothers James and Don, and her grandson, Isaac W. Tinsley.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Mike) Hogsed; her son, Larry (Lynne) Tinsley; 5 grandchildren: Trevor (Sabrina) Hogsed, Jessica (Sammy) Pressley, Hannah (Bari) Hernandez, Caleb (Tashianna) Tinsley and Rebekah Tinsley; 7 great-grandchildren: Colby Hogsed, Shai Pascoe, Kealey (Aaron) Owensby, Drew (Courtney) Pressley, Kaitlyn, Megan and Cade Pressley, and Evangeline Tinsley; and 5 great-great grandchildren: Zoey Pascoe, Lucas Frazier, Laynee Owensby, Knox Owensby and Jonah Pressley. She is also survived by her sister Geraldine Smith, and brothers Marty (Lynn) Pressley and John (Mary) Pressley.

Martha had the distinct honor of being the longest surviving member of Brevard Wesleyan Church.  She started attending when she was just 2 weeks old, and rarely missed a service her entire life.  She still worked in the nursery, attended weekly Bible study, sang in the choir, organized meals for families in her church, volunteered for VBS, and served in many other ways.  She also volunteered in the Good News Club at Brevard Elementary School, helped with the Red Cross blood drives at her church, and participated in Senior Games through Transylvania County Rec Department where she won ribbons playing corn hole and shuffleboard. Earlier in life, Martha was employed at Pisgah Mills, held various other jobs and then retired from Ecusta Paper Mill after 29 years. Martha loved life, loved people, and was always trying to help someone else.  One of her biggest joys was sitting on her front porch visiting with family and friends, and waving to people as they drove by her house.

Visitation for Grandmama Martha will be Monday, September 16th, from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Brevard Wesleyan Church, 583 N. Broad Street.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 17th at 2:00pm also at the church and will be conducted by her pastor, Rev. Ollie Dongell, Associate Pastor, Rev. Hank Moffitt, and her son, Evangelist Larry Tinsley.  A graveside service will immediately follow at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory with her former pastor, Rev. Richard Jelley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Good News Club c/o Brevard Wesleyan Church, 583 N. Broad Street, Brevard, NC  28712.

Moody Connolly Funeral Home is handling all arrangements for the family.