Mrs. Martha Smith Bridgman-Ellerbee

Mrs. Martha Smith Bridgman-Ellerbee, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the West Village Retirement Center. She was 93. 

Born on February 28, 1932, in Thomaston, Georgia, she was a bright light in the lives of those who knew her, embodying grace and warmth throughout her distinguished life. She was one of nine children to grow up in a loving Christian home. Martha graduated from R.E. Lee Institute in 1950 and continued her educational journey at Georgia State College for Women, graduating in 1952. Shortly after, she embarked on her career working at the Hotel Dempsey Building for Fickling & Walker. In 1952, Martha married Emory Lyon Bridgman and together they were active in Emmaus Primitive Baptist Church and Pine Forest Baptist Church in Macon. She embraced her role as a homemaker, nurturing and raising her two daughters, Donna and Carol, until they began their own educational journeys at which time Martha began to teach kindergarten for over seven years, inspiring countless young minds with her calm spirit and graceful demeanor. She later served as Corporate Secretary for Magic Markets at Munford Inc. for 18 years before returning home to care for her family, which always remained her first and foremost priority. In 1991, Martha found love again and married Garner McKenzie Ellerbee, together they were active members of First Baptist Church, where Martha found fulfillment in her Sunday School Class and contributed selflessly to church programs, including helping with the House of Care alongside her husband. Outside of her family and church activities, Martha had a deep love for travel and sewing, always finding ways to connect with her family and create cherished memories. Her calm spirit and graceful presence touched the lives of everyone around her, and she will be remembered as a pillar of strength and a beacon of love.

As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Martha was a remarkable role model, teaching her family through both word and action. She leaves behind her daughters to cherish her memory, Donna Bridgman (Shane) Burr of Canton, and Carol Bridgman Watson of Thomaston. She adored her seven grandchildren: Lindsay (Justin) Wynn, Benjamin (Jessie) Watson, Chad (Taylor) Watson, Macey (Earl) Stein, Dane Burr, Liz (Jay) Erickson, and Kirk Burr, as well as her eleven great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life. Martha also cherished her many nieces and nephews.

She was blessed with two remarkable southern gentleman as her beloved husbands who preceded her in death, Emory Lyon Bridgman and Garner McKenzie Ellerbee. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Edward Eugene Smith and Mary Lizzy Walker Smith, her brothers: James, Billy, Mancel, Connell, and Marvin Smith, and her sisters: Mary Ann Johnson, Sara Daniels, and Josephine Starnes.

Martha’s legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of her loved ones. A private funeral will take place, and she will be laid to rest at South View Cemetery. For those who would like to pay their respects, Martha will lie-in-state at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Saturday, October 11, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on Sunday, October 12, from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of West Village, her amazing caregivers and sitters who were a God send, and the staff of Southern Grace Hospice for the exceptional care their mother received. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorial contributions to be made to the charity or ministry that touches the donors' heart the most.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.