Martha Ann McAlister

Miss Martha Ann McAlister, 70, departed this life to enter her eternal home on July 15, 2013. Martha grew up on the McAlister farm between Biscoe and Star, NC. She was born, as the youngest of eight children, to Ezra Eugene McAlister and wife, Minnie Blanche Maness McAlister. After high school, she graduated from Rowan School of Nursing. Growing up, she attended Biscoe Baptist Church, where she became interested in missionary service. As she learned about missionaries through Girls Auxiliary and Acteens, her interest in missions became personal. Her pastor, Rev. Glen Hix and wife, encouraged her to seek God's plan for her life. As she studied about other countries and the need for them to hear the gospel of Jesus and his love for all people, Martha felt the call to surrender her life to God and to his call on her life. As a missionary nurse, she gave her life to serve her Lord and the people of Africa. She spent most of thirty years pouring out her life treating sick children and teaching the mothers how to care for their little ones. The people loved her and called her "Mama". Later she served as medical coordinator for the continent of Africa, I.M.B. Martha's love for her family brought her back home to help care for her older siblings. After a few short years, she suffered two serious illnesses and cancer took her mortal life but she entered her final home to enjoy eternal life with God and many loved ones who have gone on before. Martha was a friend and had a host of friends all around the world. She is survived by four sisters, Nancy McInnis of Rockingham, Carol Myers and husband, Roy, of Biscoe, Jane Greene of Star, and Rebecca Allison of Indian Trail. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, James, Howard, and David. Martha took great pleasure in her many nieces, nephews, and especially her two min pin dogs, Linnie and Brandy. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at First Baptist Church in Aberdeen at 11:00 AM with Pastor Mike Branscome officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to FirstHealth Hospice House, 251 Campground Road, West End, NC 27376; Baptist Men's Ministry, c/o First Baptist Church of Aberdeen, PO Box 1066, Aberdeen, NC 28315; or charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at First Baptist Church in Aberdeen at 11:00 AM with Pastor Mike Branscome officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.