Martha Bryan Foreman, affectionately known as “Honey”, who brought smiles and happiness to everyone who knew her for her 103 years, was carried in God’s loving arms to join her family in heaven on April 3, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Oval Nelson Bryan and Mrs. Vance Bogle Bryan, sister Jane Bryan, brother, Oval Nelson Bryan, Jr., sister-in-law, Mary Henderson Bryan, and her devoted husband of 48 years, Dr. Howard Ray Foreman, who died in 1994.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her four children: Howard Ray Foreman, Jr. (Marina), of Birmingham, AL, Vance Bryan Foreman (Lesa), of Joelton, TN, Bryan Wilson Foreman (Karen), of Nashville, TN, and Jane Foreman Jackson (Les) of Nashville; 9 grandchildren: Violeta Foreman, Alexandra Foreman, Summer Foreman Humphry (Matt), Haley Foreman Giles (Adam), Allyson Foreman Mashek (Grant), Hunter Foreman (Lauren), Charlie Jackson (Mary), Bryan Jackson, and Janie Jackson Ward (Colin); and 8 great-grandchildren: Alston Knox, Hunter Knox, Elle Mashek, Ford Mashek, Rose Foreman, Porter Foreman, Winnie Priesmeyer-Jackson, and Charlie Jackson (III).
Honey was born on June 4, 1920. She attended Peabody Demonstration School, Ward-Belmont, and Vanderbilt University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Always young at heart and always with her infectious happiness, she was at the center of fun and the belle of many balls at Vanderbilt. In her words, “I wasn’t a very good student, but I loved the parties and dances!” She loved the big-band sound of Glenn Miller, even having the occasion, one evening, to join him for dinner in Nashville.
She lived through the heartache of WWII, losing many friends and loved ones. During the war, she worked with the USO and the Red Cross, and on many occasions, offered her southern charm, hospitality and home cooked meals to countless soldiers as they traveled through Nashville.
While serving as a Red Cross Volunteer, she met her husband, Howard, a wounded B-24 “Liberator” pilot, at the old Thayer General Hospital, and they were married on September 5, 1945.
Honey’s greatest source of pride was her family, and her greatest joy came in helping others and spreading her happiness. After raising her children, she filled her days volunteering at Saint Thomas Hospital, Martha O’Brien, Junior League home for crippled children, and for 20 years, taught the two-year-old class at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Often called an “Energizer Bunny”, she inspired others with her bright spirit and “never-quit” attitude. Even at 99 years old, she was the star of her cardiac rehab class as she “burned rubber” on the treadmill (for 20 minutes at a 5% grade!). Honey was a delight to be around and always amazed others with her happiness, love for others, her energy, zest for life, and her ever-present smile. Heaven surely is a brighter place now that Honey is there!
A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, April 11 at 12:00 pm, following visitation with the family from 10:00 until 11:45. A private burial for the family will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church (3900 West End Avenue, Nashville, 37205), Alive Hospice, Wounded Warriors, Nashville Humane Association, or the charity of your choice.
Her family gives very special thanks to the staff of Woodcrest and Burton Court Memory Care at Blakeford, Alive Hospice, and the Blakeford at Home caregivers for their support and loving care to Honey on her journey home.
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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