of Batesville, AR
August 11, 1932 - July 18, 2023
Martha Sue Humphries Rainey, 90, of Batesville passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Born August 11, 1932 in Herbine, Arkansas (Cleveland County), but reared at Lake Village, Arkansas (Chicot County) to Dossie and Eva Burrough Humphries.
She graduated from Lakeside High School, Lake Village in 1950. She worked for the Chicot Spectator and was Secretary for the Cooperative Extension Service until 1955 when she married the Assistant County Agent, Leo Rainey.
In 1965 they moved to Pocahontas, Arkansas. She had her two children there, Alan and Nancy. In 1961 they moved to Batesville, Arkansas. She worked as a proof reader for The Batesville Guard from 1975-1983. She called it BC-Before Computers. After her husband started "The Arkansaw Traveller Theater" at Hardy, Arkansas, she was the Gift Shop Operator.
Survivors include her son, Alan Leo Rainey and wife, Connie of Cushman, Arkansas; daughter, Nancy Sue Bridgman and husband, Johnny of Indianapolis, Indiana; sisters, Hilda Cort and husband, Carl of Temple, Texas, Lorraine Ahart of Austin, Texas and Cecelia Humphries of Granbury, Texas; five grandchildren, Nicole Bledsoe and husband, Kevin of Batesville, Tim Rainey and wife, Melissa of O'Fallon, Missouri, Josh Hughes of Cushman, Matt Bridgman and wife, Caressa of Indianapolis, Indiana and Adam Bridgman and wife, April of Madisonville, Kentucky; step-grandson, Greg Bridgman and wife, Sandy of Batesville; step-granddaughter, Brittney Devazier and husband, Grant of Horseshoe Bend; eleven great-grandchildren, Beau, Lexi, Madilyn, Mackenzie, Eli, Silas, Lillie, Maddie, Izaac, Ezra, and Micah; nephews, Craig Humphries and wife, Pam, Lance Graves and wife, Mary and Brian Ahart and wife, Lisa; nieces, Jo Linda Sharp and husband, Andy, Cheryl Keel, Debbie Dawson and husband, Bill and Michelle Cannon and husband, Jim and Donna Jameson and husband, Chad; several great nephews and nieces and sister-in-law, Bertha Rainey of Benton, Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leo Rainey; brothers, Donald, Robert, Johnie and Doug Humphries and two infants, Arvin and Quentin and grandparents, Robert Abner and Martha Susan Webb Humphries of Urbana, Arkansas and Jimmy Lee and Martha Estelle (Mattie) Doss Burrough of Rison, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are her grandsons, Tim Rainey, Josh Hughes, Kevin Bledsoe, Matt Bridgman and Adam Bridgman as well as her nephews, Craig Humphries, Lance Graves and Brian Ahart. Honorary pallbearers will be the Elders and Deacons of Harrison Street Church of Christ, Ben Hardaway, Phillip Lloyd, Collie Shaw, Calvin Taylor, Steve Smith, Ted Hyslip, Charles Jordan, James Simmons, Josh Wells, Steve Cargill, Tony Collier, as well as Steve Wells, Paul Mitchell and Joey Hill.
Funeral services will begin at 2:00pm Friday, July 21, 2023 at Harrison Street Church of Christ with Steve Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00pm Friday, July 21, 2023 prior to service at the church.
Memorials may be made in her honor to Children's Home Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450 or Families First Foundation, 307 Judge Smith Drive, Marion, AR 72364.
Dear Family,
I'm saddened to learn of the recent passing of your mother, Martha. She and Leo were long-time friends of mine and Ellen's. I lived in Batesville all my life until I lost my Ellen and moved to Georgia to live with my daughter in 2014. Such happy times and memories always with your mom and dad.
Sincerely,
Robert Ford, Jr. (98 in Sept.)
Alan and Nancy we are thinking of you both at this time of loss. Your mother lived an exemplary life that inspires us all.
Alan and Nancy so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a special person in my life. Losing your parents is always hard and I will keep you in my prayers.
Alan and Nancy so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a special person in my life. Losing your parents is always hard and I will keep you in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss. I pray you allow the joy of happy memories to get you through the days without her.
Alan and Nancy - Your sweet mom was a very special person. Our families grew up together and I am thankful for the Christian friendship we had. Martha always made me feel welcome in your home on Marywood Drive. We were blessed to share those young years together And you both were blessed to have loving parents like Martha and Leo. I pray that the peace of Christ will comfort you and yours. God bless.
Bob
Your mom and dad were both a big part of my life once we were out of school. My thoughts are with you Zambini (aka..Alan) and Nancy and your families…..heaven is a better place with Ms. Martha there!
Alan and Nancy sorry to read about your Mother's passing.
My sympathy to you both and to your families.
Heaven is celebrating that one of His servants are home. May you find comfort in knowing your Mom is with the Lord. Praying for you.
So sorry for your loss. Martha and I had kept in touch through the years via Christmas cards. I always looked forward to hearing from her. I will miss her cheerful notes. Prayers and kind regards to all the family. Lexie Anderson Sullivan
Alan and Nancy, my prayers and thoughts are with you both,
...........
May the family of Martha Sue find peace and comfort in this difficult time.
The Humphrey's have been in my life since 1975. I have attended several of their annual reunions in Hot Springs, Arkansas and felt like part of their family.
So sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a sweet, beautiful Christian lady. May God comfort you all as only He can. With love and sympathy, Shelia and Bobby Smithee
My mom, Irene Denton, had a long special friendship and sister in Christ bond with Martha and my father, Floyd Denton with Leo. She was a very beautiful soul. We treasured them. So very sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Aunt Martha Sue was "The Glue" in the Humphries and Burroughs family. It was important to her to keep the family in touch. She was the keeper of family stories and stats. More importantly, the family communicator. She hosted countless family reunions joining both families together each June. By these actions we all have remained close and know the value of family. She always sent personalized birthday cards to each of us. Her bright smile and love of family will not be forgotten. Rest now in HIS arms faithful servant. Sending our love.
So sorry for your loss,loved Mrs Martha very much .She is with Leo now.Love you all
Sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. Friends of Nancy , Johnny, and Matt's family. We are members of Green Valley's Church.
Alan, Nancy and families,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a sweet Christian lady and will be missed by many. My prayers are with each of you.
Praying for the family!
Martha and my sister Peggy Stone were dear friends for decades in Batesville, AR. I met Martha several times when I visited Peggy. They were great and loyal friends and enjoyed each other' company so much! Rest in peace dear Martha. Carolyn Williams Brown
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I pray for your peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Alan, Connie & family, we are sorry to learn of your mother's passing. May the Lord give you peace.