Martha E. Christopher

MARDELA SPRINGS- Martha E. Christopher, 78, of Mardela Springs, died Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. She was born in Quantico, a daughter of the late Willie and Ethel Gambrill. Martha retired in 1998 after 31 years of service as a weigher wrapper from Acme markets, where she started her career in the Salisbury store and retired from Cambridge. In the past she was a member of Nelsons Memorial United Methodist Church and most recently attended Athol Baptist Church in Mardela Springs. She was a wonderful baker who was famous for her sugar cookies, cornbread and sweet potato biscuits. She was also known by family and friends for her yum-yum cake and banana cake. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and they will forever cherish the memories of baking cookies with her. She loved flowers and was a long time Baltimore Orioles fan. She also liked NASCAR races—and in her own words—she liked the first lap and the last. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Norman D. Christopher; 3 daughters, Terri Era, and her husband, Swank of E. New Market, Tami Brown and her husband, Harold of Hebron and Traci Murphy and her husband, Mark of Rhodesdale; 6 grandchildren, Harold Brown, Clint Murphy, Kevin Brown, Christin Era, Caleigh Era and Shelby Murphy; a sister, Peggy Hughes and her husband, Randall of Mardela Springs; a brother, Vernon “Bo” Gambrill of Mardela Springs; and a sister-in-law, Dinah Watson. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 5 brothers, James Gambrill, Jack Gambrill, “Bunky” Walter Gambrill, Hurley Gambrill and Bill Gambrill; and 2 sisters, Evelyn Harris and Louise Hastings. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where there will be an additional visitation Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service which begins at 2:00. The Reverend James Penuel will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Hebron Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Athol Baptist Church, 8306 Baptist Church Road, Mardela Springs, MD 21837, Mardela Springs Vol. Fire Co. Po. Box 299, Mardela Springs, MD, 21837 or Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 300. Hebron, MD 21830. 00 Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Martha E. Christopher

February 19, 1936 - April 19, 2014