Martha Ellen Locklear Oxendine, age 84, of Pembroke, NC, finished her race on this earth and went to be with her Savior on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC.

Martha was born November 10, 1941 on Deep Branch Road in Pembroke, NC. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She loved her family, but, most of all, she loved her children and grandchildren deeply. Most of her career was spent as a homemaker taking care of her husband, children, and their home. Her children remember her having food cooking on the stove when they walked through the door from school and she even sewed beautiful outfits to clothe them at special times such as Easter Sunday.

On occasion, she held a public job as a factory worker in a sewing plant and various positions at businesses such as South of the Border and Jones Department Store throughout the years. But, one of her proudest accomplishments was earning her degree in Cosmetology and becoming a licensed cosmetologist. The beauty shop continued to be one of her favorite places throughout her life. In her last years, she looked forward to her weekly visits to Countryside Salon with Ms. Paulann and, later, Miss Tiffiney. It was a joyful time where she not only enjoyed their company, but that of her sisters as well. She left every visit with a beautiful hairdo, many hugs, and a smile on her face.

She was a faithful member of Hopewell Holiness Methodist Church and a member of their Senior Adult Sunday School Class. Martha attended with her three sisters, where they were affectionately referred to as "The Sisters". They were able to worship the Lord together for many years. She also enjoyed music and singing. She would often sing solos during Worship Service and continued to do so for as long as she was able. Her last solo was sitting on the sofa at home singing this line "...and now I am happy all the time." She was a joy to hear.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fuller & Lizzie B. Locklear; her brothers: David Locklear, James F. "Booster" Locklear, Eartle "Two Money" Locklear, and Donald Locklear; one sister, Alean Locklear Jones; a son-in-law, Jerry Franklin Britt; and grandson, Aaron Casey Oxendine; and the father of her children, Ruvelt "Muddy" Oxendine.

She is survived by her sons, Ruvell Oxendine of the home and Eric Oxendine of Rowland; two daughters, Glenda Sanderson (William) of Lumberton and Doshie Kirkwood (Donn) of Rowland; two sisters, Sally Helen Hunt and Stella Oxendine (E. Daniel), both of Rowland; ten grandchildren: Jeremy, Allie, Eric Seth, Brock, Felicia, Leianna (Jon), Lindsay (Alfonso), Alexander, Donte, and Brianna (Kevin); nine great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and a great host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 7:00-9:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Hopewell Holiness Methodist Church, 3512 Union School Road in Rowland, NC. Burial will follow at the church's cemetery.