Martha Ann Vestal Spillman, of East Bend, died peacefully at her “home” at Vienna Village on Wednesday, May 29, 2009. She lived and died with grace, courage, and faith.

Martha was born Oct. 23, 1919 to Sarah and Hampton Vestal. She grew up in the Forbush Friends Meeting community in Yadkin County as one of nine brothers and sisters.

As a young woman, she met and married the love of her life, John R. Spillman.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend.

She was a generous woman who loved her family and her Friends Meeting.

Quilting and crocheting were her favorite pastimes, and most who knew her have a quilt or crocheted tablecloth that she lovingly made.

Martha also provided many hours of volunteer time as a Sunday school teacher, reading tutor at Forbush Elementary School, Meals on Wheels of Yadkin County volunteer, and many other activities.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her most beloved son, David R. Spillman; her six brothers, Hayes Vestal, Charlie Vestal, Avery Vestal, Junior Vestal, Hillary Vestal, and Winford Vestal; and a sister, Stella V. Spillman.

She is survived by her baby sister, Marie Cave of East Bend; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ruth Ann (Frank) Martin of Port Ritchie, Fla., and Julia (Tony) Gagliardi of East Bend; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Spillman; nine grandchildren, Jerri Chandler, Amanda (Matt) Farabow, Darren (Betsy) Spillman, Karen (Scott) Bernier, Steven (Alicia) Martin, Christopher Martin, Ian (Diane) Martin, Robert (Faith) Miller, and Lauren Gagliardi; 11 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way); four great-great-grandchildren; and special niece and nephew, Ronnie and Nancy Carter.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 2 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be held on Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. at Forbush Friends Meeting, with a short burial service at Forbush Baptist Church.

Andy Lambert, the pastor at Forbush Friends Meeting, will be officiating. 

She will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the service.

A special thank you goes to Jim and Ann Lowe, and the entire staff at Vienna Village in Pfafftown.

The Lowe’s and the staff were willing to make the extra efforts to assure Martha maintained her dignity throughout the last three years.

They made sure she was at home.

Memorials may be made to the Forbush Friends Meeting Building Fund, 4460 Forbush Road, East Bend, NC 27018; to Hospice & Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; or to any other worthy organization selected by the donor.

Flowers will also be accepted. 

Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.