Martha "Fern" Calphurnia Salter

Martha Calphurnia "Fern" Salter, 81, of Stantonsburg, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Good News Advent Christian Church, 6990 Good News Church Road, Stantonsburg, NC. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m., with the memorial service immediately following. Pastor Thomas Jordan Ellis, Jr. will officiate. The family will receive friends and family at other times at the home of her sister, Frances Blackmon.

Fern was a devoted member of Good News Advent Christian Church. She had a gift for encouraging and loving people. She was a Deaconess and a member of the Ladies Prayer and Share outreach. She loved teaching Sunday school and formed a special bond with the members of her class.

Strong and independent, Fern was known for her hard work and determination. Through life's many joys and challenges, she learned to stand firmly on her own while remaining a source of strength and comfort for those around her.

Fern treasured her family. Her two handsome, intelligent, and witty sons were the greatest blessings of her life and the source of her deepest pride and joy. She loved them unconditionally and devoted herself wholeheartedly to them.

Fern adored her grandchildren. She was their supporter, encourager, and constant source of affection. She was their safe harbor and biggest fan. Her family was the center of her world, and she sought every opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and share in their lives.

Fern's sense of humor, contagious laugh, and generous heart will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, compassion, and devotion to her family.

She is survived by her son, Randy Salter, Jr. and wife, Jenifer; her grandchildren, Dylan Salter, Brayden Salter, Randi Leigh Salter, and Chloe Salter; her sister, Frances E. Blackmon; her brother, Pastor Thomas Jordan Ellis, Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Nancy Salter; and her best friend, Cathy Greene Basinger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Cora Ellis, and by her beloved son, Mark Ellis Salter.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Good News Advent Christian Church, PO Box 195 Saratoga, NC 27873.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.