Martha Benner (Mainous)

Martha Benner (Mainous), age 87, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, in Eatonton, Georgia. Born on June 7, 1938, in Beattyville, Kentucky, she lived a life marked by dedication to her family, profession, and faith.

She was the daughter of Ada Kincaid and Lester Mainous and grew up in Beattyville with her siblings Helen Mainous Holcomb, Ruthie Mainous and Lester “Buddy” Mainous. Martha graduated from Lee County High School in Beattyville and went on to complete the x-ray technician program at the University of Louisville Hospital, beginning a long and respected career in medical imaging.

Martha served for many years in radiology and was head of the x-ray technology department at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. After retiring from Northside, she continued her work per diem at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, sharing her expertise with dedication and care.

Her commitment extended beyond her profession. Martha served in the PTA at Murdock Elementary School in East Cobb County, Georgia, and was a member of the Lion Backers supporting athletics at The Lovett School in Atlanta. She taught Sunday School at Saint Philip’s Cathedral in Atlanta, and led the Altar Guild and sang in the choir at Saint Peter & Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Marietta. She also ran a small catering business for church events, blending service with hospitality. She later headed the altar guild at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta (PRUMC), where she was a devout member. She loved music, especially anything performed by the choir at PRUMC. She also enjoyed many hours babysitting her grandsons and granddogs.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Ada Kincaid and Lester Mainous, as well as her brother Lester “Buddy” Mainous and sister Ruthie Mainous. Martha is lovingly remembered by her sons Matthew Benner (Stacy) of Highlands, NC and Michael Benner (Leslie Anne) of Greensboro, GA; grandsons Lawrey Benner, Leighton Benner, and William Benner of Greensboro, GA; sister Helen Mainous Holcomb and nephews Mark Holcomb (Kym), Mike Holcomb (Lou), and Keith Holcomb (Sue) all of Lexington, KY, as well as numerous grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Her legacy is one of compassion, strength, and unwavering devotion—to family, faith, and every community she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held in the Moore Chapel at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday November 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow in Heritage Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Martha’s memory to the Music Department at PRUMC.

PRUMC.org

Attn: Business Office

3180 Peachtree Road NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30305