Martha Keziah Carriker

Martha Keziah Carriker, a beloved matriarch and cherished community member, passed from this earthly realm into the arms of Jesus on February 13, 2025, at her residence in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born on January 17, 1930, in Union County, North Carolina, Martha dedicated her life to illuminating the homes and hearts of those around her.

Her career as an interior decorator commenced in the early 1960s, at a time when few women dared to pursue such ambitious entrepreneurial ventures. With an unwavering spirit, she built her own interior decorating business, a sanctuary of warmth and creativity that graced the lives of thousands over nearly five decades. Martha’s innate talent transformed houses into welcoming homes, and many clients who sought her expertise became lifelong friends, returning time and again to bask in her artistic vision.

Martha’s vivacious personality was only matched by her deep love for her family and community. She found joy in teaching youth Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years, instilling values and faith in the hearts of young minds. She also embraced her role as a proud member of the VFW Post (Mint Hill) Women's Auxiliary, where her commitment to service extended beyond her family to the community she loved dearly.

A woman of simple pleasures, Martha had an endearing affection for white cars, often transforming weekends into spontaneous adventures with her sons—David and Randy—packing up and hitting the road for beach escapades at a moment's notice. Family time was paramount, and her proudest accomplishments were intricately woven into the successes and lives of her four cherished grandchildren: Jennifer, Jessica, Noah, and Carly.

Throughout her life, Martha remained committed to the ministry of The Salvation Army, steadfastly supporting their noble cause. In her later years, she relished the warmth of friendship through heartfelt conversations on the phone, bridging the gap with family and friends who were not within arm’s reach.

Her profound affection for art ignited her creative spirit, which she joyously poured into her decorating business after cancer took the ability to paint in her early thirties. Her home was a haven of life, where she delighted in observing and caring for animals who wandered onto her property—dogs, cats, and even a bird that found its way into her heart and home.

Martha’s legacy is enriched by the enduring love of her family. She is survived by her devoted sons, David D. Carriker and wife Susan; Randy L. Carriker and wife Sharon; her precious grandchildren; her brother, Glynn Keziah; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, John Newton Keziah; her mother, Lillian Keziah; her brother, Johnny Keziah and her sisters, Alice Blanton, Betty Armstrong, and Lynn "Tot" Turbyfill, and her husband and first love Nollie Devore Carriker.

As family and friends gather to celebrate Martha's remarkable life, we remember her not just for her accomplishments, but for the love she freely shared, the warmth she fostered in every space she touched, and the legacy of kindness that will echo throughout the lives she influenced. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2025 at 1:00pm at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227, where all are invited to honor a truly beautiful soul whose spirit will forever illuminate the hearts she left behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you consider a donation to the Salvation Army or a charity that is near to your heart.