On April 24, 2021, Martha Lene Souther Crater was called home by her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was 88 years old.

Born On March 19, 1933, in Union Grove, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Felix Gilbert Souther and Annie Gregory Souther.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Paul Edward Crater, whom she married on July 2, 1951. They shared 55 1/2 years together until his passing on January 29, 2007.

Martha was also preceded by one daughter, Angelia Crater Templeton; brother, Jerry Souther; and sisters, Artha Mae Messick and Evelyn Star Gregory.

Martha was a faithful minister’s wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Those left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Ricky F. Crater (Robin), Danny P. Crater (Carole) and Gregory S. Crater (Gayle); seven grandchildren, Joel (Angie), Jonna (Gary), Kristen (Zeke), Adam, Stephanie, Jacob and Rebekah (Brandon); and five great-grandchildren, Zayla, Abel, Arielle, Jacob and Micah.

Martha is further survived by numerous step-grandchildren; step great-grandchildren; and brother, F.G. Souther.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 28, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Grassy Knob Baptist Church, with the funeral service beginning at 3:30 p.m. with Rev. Scott Chenevey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Joel Cass, Adam Crater, Jacob Crater, Zeke Lescano, Gary Everidge and Leon Cass.

Memorial donations may be made to Grassy Knob Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 333 Grassy Knob Road, Union Grove, NC 28689.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Crater family.