Martha "MOTT" Shealey

A Time To Be Born, A Time To Learn - Martha L Shealey was born on March 16, 1939, in Dadeville, Alabama to parents Nomie Jones and Grant Shealey. She was the eldest of six siblings and was so proud to be the "big sister." She received her early education at Wall Street High School in Tallassee, Alabama. At sixteen, the family moved to Apopka, Florida, where she completed her formal education at Phyllis Wheatley High School. While there, she was a star basketball player and ran track and relay. A Time To Plant - Martha always had a passion for "doing hair." This led her to attend Orlando Vo-Tech where she graduated as a licensed cosmetologist. After graduation, she opened The Brunson Beauty Salon as an entrepreneur for over 40 years. She was well known throughout Orange County for her expertise in styling and hair management. She enhanced her skills by obtaining a master’s degree in cosmetology and was a certified instructor for the Orange County School Board until she retired. A Time To Serve - At the young age of six, Martha joined and was baptized at the Pleasant Valley. Missionary Baptist in Dadeville, Alabama. It was noted by her mother that she had an amazing talent and an anointed voice for singing. She sang in the Youth Choir, for weddings, funerals, and school plays. Her love for singing continued into adulthood. In 1974, she united with the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. F. E. Wilder. She was a loyal member of the former MLK, Jr. Memorial Choir, The Sanctuary Choir, served on the Trustee Board, and was involved in all phases of the church. She was also dubbed as the "Cornbread Queen!" A Time To Love and Enjoy - Martha was married to the late Henry Bridges, and they were blessed with two children: a son, Jackie, and a daughter Vera. She loved spending quality time with family and friends, but most of all, her grands and great-grands. She also enjoyed fishing, knitting, crocheting, traveling, and especially cruises. Martha even traveled to Japan, there she earned one of her two Black Belts in Taekwondo. She also served as Matron of Mace-donia Lodge #98 Heroines of Jèricho, Grand Chaplin of the Grand Lodge of Heroines of Jericho for the State of Florida, and was a member of Daughters of Sphinx. A Time To Depart - The Rose Garden belongs to God. He decides when the rose is ready to be plucked. Martha our beloved rose was plucked from the garden on November 13, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nomie Jones Merchant and Grant Shealey, and three brothers: Willie Raymond Merchant, Otis Shealey, and Thomas Fair. She leaves cherished memories with her loving family: 1 son, Jackie Bridges, and 1 daughter, Vera Bridges Dozier, both of Orlando, Florida; 4 sisters: Susie Coleman (Henry), Hellen Merchant, and Patricia Oliver, all of Winter Garden, Florida, and Veronica Bradford (Rev. Hezekiah) of Apopka, Florida; 9 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great great- grandchild. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and many borrowing friends. Very, very special friends: Freddie Anderson, Cassandra Johnson, Ethel Johnson, Lorraine Johnson, and Edna Davis.

Tributes

Martha "MOTT" Shealey

March 16, 1939 - November 13, 2024