Martha (Witherspoon) Barden

Martha Witherspoon Barden, former Kannapolis resident, died Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Trinity Oaks, Salisbury. She was born February 8, 1929 in Hickory to  Marvin H. and Pauline Holler Witherspoon.

A 1947 graduate of Claremont Central High School, Hickory, she attended Lenoir Rhyne College earning a bachelor’s degree in 1951. She served as Director of Christian Education at First Methodist Church, North Wilkesboro before earning a Masters of Religious Education degree at Duke Divinity School in 1956 where she met her future husband, Rev. Lawrence “Larry” Barden of Boone. They were married June 2, 1956 in Hickory. That summer they opened the Paul B. Kern Youth Center at Lake Junaluska Assembly, serving as the first directors.

As a public school teacher, she taught History and Language Arts at North Davidson Jr. High School, Welcome; J.W. Cannon Jr. High School, Kannapolis and Stanley Jr. High School in Gaston County. She also taught Bible at A.L. Brown Senior High School in Kannapolis.

Martha was well known for her work in the United Methodist churches served by her husband. She directed children’s choirs, led numerous Bible studies and formed many prayer groups. She was an ardent supporter of  Walk to Emmaus and Discover God’s Call. Everywhere she lived, Martha played an important role impacting the spiritual lives of those around her.

She was a member of Bethpage United Methodist Church, Alpha Delta Kappa, honorary organization for women educators; Kannapolis Retired Teachers Association; and the Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to her parents, Martha was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Larry Barden (2020); son, John Witherspoon Barden (2011); and brother, Harold Witherspoon (2017). Surviving are her son, Rev. Dr. Mark Barden and wife, Rev. Barbara Barden of Norwood, NC; daughter, Rev. Anna Barden of Kannapolis; grandson, Chris Barden of Charlotte, daughter-in-law, Kim Falls of Charlotte.

Visitation is Friday, February 4, 6-8 p.m. at Whitley’s Funeral Home, Kannapolis. The funeral is Saturday, February 5, 11 a.m. at Bethpage United Methodist Church, Kannapolis followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Hickory at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Barden Memorial Scholarship, c/o United Methodist Foundation of WNC, 13816 Professional Center Drive, Suite 100, Huntersville, NC 28078. Online donations may be made at https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/BardenMemorialScholarship.

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