Martha Howard Rives

Martha Howard Rives, 84, passed peacefully on February 4, 2017, while in hospice care.

We will celebrate her love of life on Wednesday, February 8th, at 2:00 p.m. at Greenleaf Memorial Park, Lakeside Chapel.

Born March 28, 1932 in a small house on the river in Pollocksville, Martha lived a full life. Daughter of a minister, her family moved around eastern NC before settling in Sanford, where she attended high school. She began raising her family
there before moving to Apex. Her final move was to New Bern, the town she considered home and where she could be close to the waters of the rivers and ocean.

Martha’s best and favorite occupation was loving people, especially children. She loved everyone and never met a stranger. She was also a person of deep faith and loved and trusted in God.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Ginger Pittman, (Joey); sons, Denis (Jane), Buck (Marj) and Wayne (Sarah); grandchildren Ginny, Aaron, Anna and Maddie; sisters Emily Sawyer and Jean Parson; and brother, James Howard.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Rives.

In lieu of flowers the family request contributing to your favorite charity.