Martha Rice Brewer's Obituary
Martha Rice Brewer passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born on August 5, 1936, in Little Rock, AR, the treasured only child of Prentice Roe Rice and Martha Johnston Rice. She was preceded in death by her parents and her adoring husband of 60 years, Hugh H. Brewer, Jr. She is survived by her sons, Hugh Rice Brewer, Sr, and Arthur Payne Brewer; her daughter, Dr. Martha Ann (Marti) Brewer Sharkey; their spouses Tina Jones Brewer (Payne) and Craig T. Sharkey (Marti); her six grandchildren, Leigh Taylor Stidham (husband Tim), Andrew Payne Brewer (wife Jayne), Blake Morrow Brewer, Hugh Rice Brewer, Jr, (wife Liz), Caroline Brewer Sharkey, and Martha Christine Sharkey; and her five great-grandchildren, Micah James Brewer, Emery Taylor Stidham, Noah Payne Brewer, Anna Margaret Stidham, and River Hugh Brewer. In addition, she leaves behind her dearest cousin, Missy Armstrong Roebuck, her lifelong best friends Nancy Lee and LeAnn Underwood, and the best friend of her final years, Lois Ingram.
Martha was a proud graduate of Fort Smith High School, Monticello College, and the University of Arkansas. At the U of A, she was a member of and served as Vice President of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and President of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. She also served as president of Mortar Board where she initiated “Dead Day”, a study day in between the final day of classes of the semester and final exams, which is still in existence today.
Following graduation in 1958, Martha and Hugh married, and she worked while Hugh finished his degree. They moved to El Paso, TX, and then to Chicago, IL, while Hugh served in the Army. They subsequently returned to Fayetteville to raise their growing family.
Martha maintained a strong presence in the home while simultaneously serving as an active volunteer and leader in the community. She was a member of and served as president or chair of multiple organizations over the years, including the Fayetteville Public Library Board, the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation Board, the Friends of the Fayetteville Public Library Board, the Washington County Historical Society Board, the Butterfield Trail Village Foundation Board, the Fayetteville Junior Civic League, and the Tri Delta Alumnae Chapter where she was instrumental in erecting the Tri Delta Centennial Clock.
Martha was an instrumental member at First United Presbyterian Church. She wrote the church history, published not one but two church cookbooks, and served as the church librarian, an Elder, president of the Presbyterian Women, and a Stephen Minister. She also served on various search committees, capital campaigns, and ministries.
She is a fifty-plus year member of Chapter S of PEO and served as president as well as multiple other executive positions. She was an active member of the Perennial Garden Club, the Twentieth Century Book Club, and the infamous Store-Bought Cookie Book Club.
In addition to her volunteer work, Martha had several jobs, including being the first employee of Underwood’s Fine Jewelry and as a tax accountant at H and R Block. She started and ran her own business as a Carlisle fashion consultant. In her later years, she returned to school and obtained her Master’s degree in History from the University of Arkansas. Through her love of history, she also developed a passion for genealogy.
Ultimately, Martha was a proud wife, mother, and homemaker. We were always amazed at her ability to multitask, organize, and manage all of the above with poise and elegance.
A Celebration of Life will take place on May 9, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. The service will be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
In Martha’s memory, memorial gifts may be made to either the First United Presbyterian Church or the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation.
To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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