Martha Booth Burleigh's Obituary
Martha Booth Burleigh passed away April 27, 2024, at the age of 80. She was born in Emory University Hospital to parents Jerry and Imogene Booth, on March 27, 1944, and lived her early life in Tangerine, Florida. When married July 5, 1963, she became a lifelong resident of Tavares, Florida. She left behind her husband, William Burleigh, after 60 years of marriage; daughter, Rebecca Brothers; son, Brian Burleigh; daughter, Jennifer McGee; grandchildren, Greyson Brothers, Sienna Brothers, Eleanor Burleigh, Blake Burleigh, Cooper McGee, and Tucker McGee; as well as her very close cousins, Carrie Reding Tucker and Mary Susan Reding.
Martha learned to ride horseback as a teen when her dad bought her a horse, she named Charlie. Entranced with her early life with animals, she decided after marriage to open and run a horse stable behind her home. She taught children how to ride and spent time raising and training colts. Her own children she especially introduced early to horseback riding. Her eldest child, Rebecca carried on that horseback riding tradition, as does her grandchild, Sienna.
Martha was very artistic, mastering the art of painting when she did a portrait of daughter, Rebecca. She also took on the project of creating stained glass work, one particular piece being an angel and the other... you guessed it, a horse. All this time she was raising 3 children and showing them much love and affection. Her love for the horse animal she carried over to her several generations of pet dog and cat animals.
This is what Martha would say, if she could: "Do not grieve for me, for now I am free. I am following the path God laid out for me. I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to play. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. Do not be burdened with times of sorrow; look forward to the sunshine of tomorrow. My life has been full with good friends, good times and a loved one's touch. God wanted me now and has set me free."
In lieu of flowers, it would be appropriate in the memory of Martha if you would donate to Tavares Community Church and designate your contribution to Compassion Cottage Food Pantry. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11:00AM at the Tavares Community Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Condolences may be left at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
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