Mary Martha Brooks (MeMa) departed this earthly life on Sunday, March 16, 2025. She was born on September 16, 1923, in Morganza, Maryland. Martha was the oldest of six children born to the late Ms. Susie Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husbands, James Purnell Bush, Sr., and James Kerrick Brooks, son, Dr. James Purnell Bush, Jr., and siblings, Aloysius Hall, Henry Hall, Rudolph Hall, Robert Hall, and Rosalie Nelson.

Martha was baptized at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Morganza, Maryland, where she was a lifelong member. Martha was educated through St. Mary's County Public Schools. She took a keen interest in nursing and completed the requirements to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1958. She utilized her skills as an LPN for 32 years at St. Mary's Hospital. In her role, she assisted and delivered many babies in the OB (obstetrics) Department. Whenever she was out in public, people would approach her and say, "I remember you. You help deliver my baby. Thank you so much." She truly loved her career and was always on time and willing to give 110%. After retirement, Martha continued her career as a Private Duty Nurse, where she provided continuous, one-on-one, skilled nursing care in a patient's home.

Martha was a caring and loving person, who enjoyed socializing with her friends. She loved cooking, family gatherings, watching baseball, listening to music, dancing, playing bingo, crocheting blankets, sewing, gardening, and attending to her flowers. Most of all, her passion was baking, especially her famous lemon pound cake. She baked a variety of cakes for friends and family. Not only did she bake and design two of her daughters' wedding cakes, but she also made many cakes for Former Maryland Governor, Marvin Mandel.
Martha leaves to cherish her memories, son John Bush Sr. (Catherine); four daughters: Shirley Briscoe, Cassandra Brooks, Corrella Brooks, and Roxanne Brooks; ten grandchildren: John Bush, Jr., Kerrick Briscoe, Kisha Bush, Nicole Meade (Jimmy), Che'rie Young, Ashley Wren, Timothy Wren, Alante' Brooks, De'ja Watts, and Joseph Butler, Jr.; two sisters-in-law: Rachel Wilson and Ada Brooks; twenty-six great grandchildren and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Martha had a strong belief in God and attended mass every Sunday with her family and was adamant about sitting in the same pew, fourth from the front. As a devoted Catholic, you could also find her praying the Rosary daily. Martha certainly will be missed by many.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church Morganza, MD with Father Drew Royals officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.