Martha Todd Bradbury

Martha Elaine Todd Bradbury was born in Rome, Georgia on April 19, 1946. She was the younger of two children born to the late Ray Upshaw Todd and Maline Howard Todd. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, James Ray “Jimmy” Todd. Her dad, Ray Todd, was a printer by trade and had worked for a publishing company in Rome. As an opportunity with The Newnan Times-Herald presented itself, Ray moved his family to Newnan. Martha graduated Newnan High School in 1964 and would attain her degree in English from, what was then, West Georgia College. She taught advanced English in the Coweta County Schools at Arnco-Sargent Elementary, O. P. Evans Middle School, Newnan High School and Madras Middle School. She was known for her strict, no nonsense style of teaching, and at the same time was always fair and open to listening to her student’s side of any situation. It was Martha’s belief that it was not her purpose to create students in her own image, but to help those students develop their own image of who they wanted to become. Her community involvement included her membership in the Newnan Pilot Club; having served one year as president of that organization. Martha was a published author. Some years ago, she was deeply touched by an incident in which the child of a friend was tragically killed in a car and bike accident. She came to realize that there was precious little literature to help children understand the emotions that came into play when another friend dies. After much thought and preparation, she published “My Friend Christopher is Dead”. While the basic thought to be conveyed is based roughly on that accident, she wrote the book in a style that would be classified as fiction with a moral purpose in an attempt to help children deal with the dynamics of the emotions surrounding death. Martha loved animals and books. She enjoyed socializing with her fellow teachers. She was a part of a group, the priority being the card game Bunko, but it often dissolved into gales of laughter and sharing favorite foods and maybe a little Bunko. Her family and friends will cherish their memories of her as a dedicated teacher, an engaged parent, a loyal wife and always being someone up for a good laugh. Martha is survived by her husband, Loy R. Bradbury, Jr. Her children are Jennifer Kupfer and her husband Steve; Loy R. Bradbury, III and his wife Beverly. She was a wonderful grandmother to Heather (and Mike) Alley, Erin (and PJ) Holloway, Drew (and Allison) Kupfer, Emily Kupfer, Daniel Kupfer, Zachary Bradbury and Hunter Bradbury. The more always being merrier, Martha considered her young neighbor, Sealy Dreyer, just another one of the grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are by McKoon Funeral Home at 38 Jackson Street in Newnan. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, December 13th between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Her life will be remembered and celebrated in a service in The Chapel at McKoon on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11:00 AM to be led by Reverend Joe Strickland. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The jovial nature that was Martha’s would disdain the notion of the little black dress and suit for funerals, so put that back in the closet and select something more in keeping with her lifestyle— red is an excellent choice! Martha’s love for animals trumped her love for flowers, so it is requested that in lieu of flowers, those who might wish to honor her memory might do so by a gift to The Newnan Coweta Humane Society 608 Highway 29 North Newnan GA 30263. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580.

Martha Todd Bradbury

April 19, 1946 - December 8, 2019