Martha Gramby Harge

The Spirit of Christmas was in the air.  Marion Gramby was pregnant with possibilities and her second child.  Yes, Martha was the Christmas gift her parents James, Sr. and Marion Gramby were waiting for.  Born on December 22, 1940, in Hertford, North Carolina, Martha was a farm girl at heart. But her love for singing God’s praises was her real passion. Martha graduated from Perquimans County Union High School and attended Elizabeth City State College in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. After school, Martha proved to be a dedicated, focused and committed hard worker.  She moved to Waterbury, Connecticut and began her career. After many years of dedicated service she retired from Bayer Pharmaceuticals in West Haven, CT.   Martha was reared in a home of believers; so it was no surprise she joined Porters Chapel AME Church at a young age. There she showcased her vocal talents. That’s what happens when you inherit those DNA musical genes. She was a founding member of the musical group the Spiritual Keys. It was also her love for the Lord and singing that she met her lifetime love, Robert Harge, Sr. who also loved to sing and was a member of the musical group the Bell Tones.  They were married for more than 54 years and Robert, Jr. and Cornelius completed their family.

Martha and Robert were members of the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. She served on various community based committees to include Hospitality and numerous church programs. On a beautiful morning as the sun rose, God whispered in Martha’s ear and said, “It’s time my Love. Your place in my mansion awaits you.” On April 6, 2024 Martha ascended to her heavenly home. She peacefully transitioned from this side of glory to His Glory.  Martha’s final days were filled with love and compassion. She left this side of glory knowing she was dearly loved and appreciated. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, son Cornelius and grandson, Trequan.  Additionally, her parents Marion and James Gramby, Sr, Brothers Clibbert and James Gramby, Jr. brother-in-law, Charles (Boolel) Johnson and Sister-in-law, Janis Gramby await her arrival to glory. Martha leaves to cherish her memory son, Robert, Jr. (Shatara), granddaughter Kenya, Winston Salem, North Carolina;  grandson Cornelius Jr. and his daughter Anaila Harge, sister Rosa Gramby Johnson, Hertford, North Carolina; brothers, Wilbert Gramby, Silver Springs, Maryland and Louis C. Gramby, (Myra), Indian Head, Maryland.   She is also honored by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We will miss Martha and her sweet spirit. However, her memory will live on in those whose lives she touched, even as her spirit rests eternally with the Lord.

A Celebration of Martha’s Life will be held on Saturday May 4, 2024 in Colonial Funerals, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden at 11am. Viewing in Colonial from 10-11am. Condolences maybe expressed at www.coloniialfunerals.com.