Martha Jean Galmore

Martha passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at Baton Rouge General Hospital, at the age of 86.

Martha dedicated much of her younger years to helping others, living a life filled with kindness and service. She shared a loving, decades-long relationship with Horace Stribbling in Morganza, Louisiana, until his passing. Their bond, spanning over 30 years, was a source of joy and stability for her. Martha and Horace loved each other and his children treated her with dignity and respect.

A devout believer, Martha visited churches with her family and deepened her faith through her studies with Jehovah's Witnesses, where she gained a greater understanding of Jehovah God. She always professed God as her Savior.

One of Martha's favorite pastimes was attending Dance Fridays at the Senior Citizens Center off Plank Road, where her brother-in-law Alfred Paige Jr. ensured she was driven to and from the event. Her fellow members even called to encourage her participation, reflecting the joy and camaraderie of those cherished days.

Martha deeply valued her family and was a beloved presence at reunions and gatherings, including last year’s Galmore Family Reunion in Ponchatoula. She enjoyed traveling by Amtrak, Greyhound, and airplane, creating lasting memories, such as her adventures in California.

Known for her quiet demeanor, Martha had a way of capturing attention when she spoke. She managed her finances with remarkable care, earning admiration for her budgeting skills. A lifelong reader, Martha considered herself a speed reader, often immersed in the thickest books she could find. Martha also relished simple pleasures, from coloring and reading Search-a-Word books to sharing laughter with her table mates, the "Four Golden Girls."

Dancing and studying God’s Word brought Martha great happiness, as did her love of food. Her lively spirit shone during meals with friends, sometimes leading to humorous moments like misplacing her teeth in a napkin!

Her greatest joy came two years ago when her 60-year prayer was answered, and she reunited with her daughter, Michelle and found out she was a grandmother and now a great grandmother.

Martha’s eldest grandson, Brandon, traveled from Washington, D.C., to visit her, a moment of immense pride as she introduced him to her friends. Her enthusiasm for sharing this joy was evident as she emphasized “Washington, D.C.,” with a delighted flair.

Martha leaves behind her daughter Michelle Reagor of Arizona; her two sisters, Mary Ann Gilmore and Essie Galmore (Alfred) Paige of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandsons Brandon Black of Washington, D.C., and Trevor Thomas of Phoenix, Arizona; and her great-granddaughter Aria Thomas, also of Phoenix, Arizona. Additionally, she is survived by two devoted nieces Michelle G. Porter and Dawn P. Dirisu of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, nephews Todd Gilmore of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sean Paige, and Mark Paige of Sacramento, California. Martha’s foster siblings, Jessie (Shelia) Garrett of New Roads, Louisiana; Rita Reynolds of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Gloria Summers Alexander of Florida; Sandra (Michael) Collins of Zachary, Louisiana; Willie Stevenson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Eva Turner Loper of Kenner, Louisiana, will also mourn her loss with love and respect, as well as the Stribbling Family , and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Martha is preceded in death by her mother Emma Galmore, grandmother, Ana Venable, grandson, Lionel Reagor Jr., brother, James Griffin, sister, Viola Gibson, nephew, Reginald Gilmore, cousin, Anner Williams, and companion Horace Stribbling.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM at Resting Place Funeral Home, 7840 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

Interment will take place on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Little Rock Baptist Church Cemetery, 7191 Morganza Hwy, Morganza, LA 70759.

We thank Almighty God for blessing us with the precious time we shared with Martha. She touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be deeply missed.