Martha Carlton Biggs

Martha Carlton Biggs of Durham, North Carolina passed away on January 24, 2023, at the age of 86. Martha died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. 

Martha was born November 14, 1936, to the late Lowe Carlton and Lois Herndon Carlton. She was preceded in death by her sister, Francis Carlton Hutchins and brother, James Carlton. Martha is survived by her husband of 63 years, William R. Biggs; her sons, Stephen Biggs (Susan) and Michael Biggs (Bonnie); stepdaughter, Pam; her 5 grandchildren, Christie Ilharramendy (Justin), Daniel Biggs, Andrew Biggs (Sarah), Julianne Biggs, and Tori Biggs; her 4 great grandchildren, Cruz and Mia Ilharramendy, and Harker and Olivia Biggs; and many nieces and nephews to whom she was dearly loved.

Martha was born in Wake County and raised in Durham. After graduating she worked at Crum & Foster Insurance, before marrying her husband William (Billy) R. Biggs. Billy and Martha worked together hand in hand to build Sands & Soils in Durham, Downeast Marine in Carteret County, NC (which was sold in 2020), Biggs Family Farm in Durham, and Biggs Family Partnership. Martha was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church for most of her life, before joining her husband, Billy, as a member of Fletchers Chapel United Methodist Church.

Martha will be remembered for her love and faith in God, our Lord and Savior, and her love for her husband and family. Martha was hard working and never afraid of any task from driving a dump truck to building a house. One of Martha’s proudest achievements was caring for her mother and being a devoted family member. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to her caregivers Beverly and Joy, and the Amedisys Hospice team (Haley, Debra, and Melissa).

A visitation will be held from 1:00 -2:00 p.m., Friday, January 27, 2023, at Fletcher's Chapel United Methodist Church with a funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the life of Martha Biggs. A private family burial will be held.