Ms. Martha Rush Ham

It is with deep sorrow that the Ham family announces the death of Mrs. Martha Rush Ham, 69. Mrs. Ham entered into rest on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A memorial service to honor her life will be held at 1 o 'clock on Saturday, July 19, 2025 in the Chapel of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home with The Rev. Robert Cherry and The Rev. Leroy DuBose officiating. Martha Ham was born on April 18, 1956, in Lamar, South Carolina, in Darlington County, to the late Sammy Ham and Sara Ham. Raised in a warm, faith-filled home, Martha was the embodiment of strength, compassion, and quiet grace from an early age. At the age of 18, she moved to Paterson, New Jersey, where she laid the foundation for a life defined by hard work and deep devotion to family. A proud and loving mother, she raised her two children, Christopher Ham and Aja Ham, with unwavering love, wisdom, and resilience. Professionally, Martha devoted herself to the service of others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Bergen Pines Hospital in Paramus, New Jersey. For many years, she cared for countless patients with the same compassion and dedication she gave to her own family. Her nurturing spirit and gentle presence left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered — whether in a hospital room or her own home. In October 2008, Martha married her beloved husband, Clifton Miller, in Paterson. After his retirement, the couple relocated with her daughter Aja to Rock Hill, South Carolina, where they embraced a slower pace of life and deeper family connection. One of her life’s greatest blessings came with the birth of her granddaughter, Forever — a source of joy and pride that brightened her later years. After the passing of her husband Clifton, Martha remained a pillar of strength for her family. In 2024, she moved to Hartsville, South Carolina, where she continued to share her love, guidance, and wisdom with those around her. Martha leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Christopher Ham and Aja Ham; her precious granddaughter, Forever; and her devoted sisters Shirley Ann Davis of Paterson, NJ; Bernetha “Carolyn” Williams of Berlin, West Virginia; and Betty Jean Washington of Hartsville, SC. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who were blessed by her presence. She was preceded in death by her husband Clifton Miller; her sisters Dorothy Ham and Rose Wright-McQueen; her nephews Nathan Chapman and John Wright; and her brother-in-law Lee Ernest Washington. Martha Ham lived a life of care, service, and love both in her career and in her home. She touched lives with her compassion, healed hearts with her kindness, and inspired strength through her unwavering faith. Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

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Ms. Martha Rush Ham

April 18, 1956 - July 10, 2025