Martha Lucille Estes passed away April 23, 2026. She was born in Statesville, N.C., on March 13, 1935, to the late George Stanley Lambert and Artie Fox. Martha will be remembered as a loving, giving soul whose greatest joy in life was caring for others. She dedicated much of her time and heart to her work in home health care as a PCA, where her compassion and kindness touched countless lives. Helping people wasn’t just her job—it was who she was.

She adored her family deeply and found her happiest moments surrounded by those she loved. Martha also had a special place in her heart for animals, treating them with the same warmth and gentleness she showed everyone around her.

Martha found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved cooking meals for others, tending to her garden, and caring for her plants. Music filled her home and her spirit, adding to the warmth she carried wherever she went.

One of Martha’s most cherished and lighthearted memories was riding her bright yellow moped. She loved it dearly, and on one memorable occasion, she wore yellow while riding and was featured in the newspaper. They affectionately nicknamed her “Big Bird,” a moment that brought her so much laughter and became a story she loved to share.

Martha’s kindness, humor, and generous heart will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave so freely to others.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ivey Estes; children, Ivey Stanley Estes, Donnie Estes, Tommy “ Red” Estes, Larry Estes, Jerry Estes, Bobby Estes, Timmie Estes and Linda K. Estes; grandchildren, Lisa, Debbie, Crystal, Ivey Mickey, Bobby Jr. and Debbie; and son-in-law Shane Riddle.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Lucille Elmore (Bobby) and Vickie Riddle; grandchildren, DJ, Tommy “Jr”, Bonnie, Sissy, Larry Jr. , Michael, Candy, Scotty, Ashley, Kristy , Curtis, Beth, Cody and Monica; and 22 great grandchildren.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.