Martha Upton Tate, age 83, died Saturday, November 10, 2018, at her sister's home. Born in Rutherford County on June 2, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Arnold Roosevelt and Lucy Crowder Upton. Martha was a member of First Baptist Church. She enjoyed working at Gardner Webb University in the Library and in Housekeeping. She was a loving mother and grandmother and loved spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, Martha is preceded in death by her husband, Hoyle Tate; a brother, Pete Upton.

Martha is survived by a daughter, Vivian Cordle and husband David of Piedmont SC; three sisters, Elizabeth Owensby of Forest City, Lou Haynes of Forest City, Mozelle Carroll of Forest City; a brother, Edward Upton of TN; two grandchildren, Martha Avery Cordle and David Ray Cordle Jr.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Cleveland Memorial Park with David Upton officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Special thanks and appreciation is given to Elizabeth Owensby, who was her caregiver for the last 6 months and Mr. David Causby, who took time to check up on Martha and make sure she had everything she needed and was a true friend.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to: Gardner Webb University, General Scholarship fund, PO Box 997, Boiling Springs NC 28017.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Tate.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com