Martha Ann Bertrand

Martha Ann Bertrand passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, September 26th following a brief illness. She was 80. Born in Loudon, Tennessee to Robert L. and Sarah D. Bertrand, Martha Ann grew up in Augusta.

Upon graduation from Mary Baldwin University with a degree in political science, she began her career as a public servant working for Congressman William D. Ford of Michigan for a number of years before beginning a long career in Human Resources for the Veteran’s Administration (VA). She held HR posts at the VA for hospitals in Johnson City, TN; Tampa, FL; and Milwaukee, WI. She ultimately became the Director of Human Resources for the VA Headquarters in Washington, DC, where she supported several thousand VA employees around the country. She lived an active life in DC for many years, followed by Fairfax, Virginia, and returned to Augusta in retirement.

Martha lived out her belief in God’s grace and love for all God’s children and creation. She shared her talents and worked for social justice as an active leader within Covenant Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Women and GAP Ministries of Augusta. She was a gifted weaver and held certificates as a Master Gardener and in Spiritual Formation.

She is survived by her brother, David (Joyce) Bertrand; nephew Robert (Adrian) Bertrand; nieces Rebecca (Aidan) Robinson; and Sarah (Corey) Olmstead; great nieces and nephews; and good friend Mary Beachum.

The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 4:00 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way, Augusta GA.

It was Martha’s strong wish that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to GAP Ministries of Augusta or to the Southern Poverty Law Center.