Martha McHargue Brotherton, born August 16, 1938, in Iredell County, North Carolina, died on October 13, 2026, following a period of declining health. Her life was marked by steady work, deep faith, and a generous devotion to the care of others.

A graduate of Harmony High School, Martha built a life centered on service. She worked for 29 years in the cafeteria for Iredell Statesville Schools, where her daily labor helped nourish generations of students. After her retirement, she continued that work for several more years in the cafeteria at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Alongside those years, she also helped her husband with their chicken houses for 35 years, sharing in the demands and rhythms of that work with characteristic faithfulness.

Her church was one of the great anchors of her life. Martha was a member of Sweet Home Baptist Church for many years, and her presence there was woven through so many parts of its life and ministry. For 46 years, she taught the Sunday School class for children ages 3 to 6, offering patient guidance and loving care to the youngest members of the congregation. She also sang in the choir, was a member of the Women’s Prayer Group, enjoyed the church trips, and was deeply involved in church activities. Her faith was not only something she professed, but something she lived in quiet, constant ways.

That spirit of care reached far beyond her own home and church pew. Martha fostered more than 20 babies, welcoming them into her care at 3 days old and raising them until they were 9 months old, when they were placed for adoption. The agency entrusted her with the most difficult cases because they knew she could handle them. She also opened her home to three adolescent foster children for an extended time, giving them stability and shelter. In addition, she provided respite care for foster families by caring for children so those families could take needed vacations when the children could not leave the state. She truly had a heart for helping others, and many lives were steadied and blessed because she answered that calling so fully.

Martha also found joy in simple and beautiful things. She loved watching birds, especially hummingbirds, and there was something fitting in that affection—an appreciation for grace, gentleness, and the small wonders that brighten ordinary days.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Brotherton, her parents, Clyde McHargue and Eula Mitchell McHargue, a sister, Wally M. Eidson, and a grandson, Josselyn Brotherton.

She is survived by her three sons, Kent Brotherton (Debra) of Statesville, Mark Brotherton (Cheryl) of Perry, GA, and Michael Brotherton of Statesville, three granddaughters, five great-granddaughters and one great-grandson. In their lives, and in the lives of so many others she nurtured, taught, fed, encouraged, and loved, her memory will continue to endure warmly.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Sweet Home Baptist Church, 7173 Somers Road, Union Grove, North Carolina 27020. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Jake Easter and Pastor Daniel Settle officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the funeral.

Martha McHargue Brotherton leaves behind the memory of a life poured out in service—at home, at church, at work, and wherever care was needed most. She will be remembered with love and gratitude.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Gordon Hospice House for the overwhelming love and care given to their mom and the family during her days there.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625 or by clicking the link below.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brotherton family.