Martha Mildred Blanchard Garnes

Martha Mildred Blanchard Garnes, 99, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A graveside service to honor Ms. Martha's life will be held at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens in Chesapeake, Virginia. Service details will be shared once finalized.

Ms. Martha was born on May 11, 1926, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Warner R. and Mildred C. Blanchard. She was a woman of strength, resilience, and deep appreciation for faith and family.

Ms. Martha was a devoted member of Fairview Baptist Church for many years, where she formed lasting friendships and faithfully served her church family. After moving to North Carolina, she became an active member of Community Baptist Church.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Mildred O'Neal and husband Walt O'Neal of Newport, NC; granddaughter, Rebecca G. Cossette of Virginia Beach, VA; grandsons, David L. Garnes Jr. and wife Stephanie of Currituck, NC and Michael W. Bowman of Newport, NC; and great-grandchildren, Caleb Garnes, Isaiah Garnes, and Sarah Garnes, all of Elizabeth City, NC, Cassidy Pierce of Virginia Beach, VA, Madison Cossette and Gabriel Cossette, both of Elizabeth City, NC.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Marvin L. Garnes; son, David L. Garnes Sr.; sister, Edith B. Rummel; and brothers, James W. Blanchard and William T. Blanchard Sr.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund at Community Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1119, Newport, NC 28570.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. in Morehead City, NC, with final arrangements handled by Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory in Chesapeake, VA.