Martha Carroll Eskew

Martha C. Eskew ,88, or Nana as she was affectionately called by most, departed from this life on May 6, 2026 with grace and dignity to be with the Lord at Trinity Elms in Clemmons, NC, with her daughter by her side.  She was born July 2, 1937 in Winston Salem, NC to Owen and Myrtle Carroll.  She was a cherished wife, mother, nana, and friend to all that knew her.  Martha graduated from Hanes High School.  Shortly after, while on a trip to Kure Beach, NC with friends, she met the love of her life…an Air Force man named Tom Eskew. One of Tom’s friends bet him to go say “hello” to Martha, and the rest was history.  They were married shortly afterwards and headed to Germany to start their life together.  Eventually moving back to Winston Salem, Martha worked briefly, but her heart was in raising her family.  She was a member of New Hope Methodist Church for years, then transferred to Lewisville United Methodist Church.  She volunteered at Forsyth Memorial Hospital.  Martha was fortunate enough to be able to travel many parts of the world with Tom.  She was always ready to pack her suitcase for new adventures.  Her love of nature and animals still continues on for generations after her.  At one point, she began feeding raccoons on their back deck. Every night, they would come one by one until Martha realized there were about 25 raccoons congregating. She realized this was not a very good idea.  She was always up for any kind of road trip to anywhere.  She didn’t care as long as it included time with her “littles”.  She was an avid crossword puzzle champ and you would never want to play Scrabble with her, as she was sure to win.  She was a huge collector of frogs, many of which she purchased from other countries and always had a story about them!  Martha loved yoga, and loved walking her little loyal companion Cody, her dog.  If there was a party or social event, you could count her in, always wearing her fashionable clothes and her Chanel #5.  One of her favorite places to be was at the beach.  She always said “looking and listening to the ocean’s sounds and birds brought peaceful moments and calmness”.  Martha’s zest for life, fiery spirit, and witty sense of humor made anyone love her.  She was cherished in her role as our family matriarch and our anchor.  Martha is survived by her daughter, Julie Collins (Mike) of Lewisville NC , her daughter in law, Nita Eskew of Chapel Hill NC, four grandchildren, Cambria James (Brandon) of Advance NC, Josh Collins (Candice) of Claudville VA, Olivia Morton (Mark) of Decatur GA, and John Thomas Eskew (Tina) of Carborro NC. She is also survived by four great grandchildren Ali James, Ana James, Aiden James and James Morton, and several special cousins.  She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Eskew, and son Mark Thomas Eskew.  This amazing lady is leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love, and laughter and always showing grace in her heart that will remain with all of us forever.  The family wishes to acknowledge the devoted care of Trellis Hospice, and the staff at Trinity Elms.  There will be a private family celebration of life service at a later date.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston Salem, NC 27103. 

“To live in the hearts we leave behind, is not to die”

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