Martha Griffin Gunter, 85, of Hendersonville

Martha Griffin Gunter, 85, of Hendersonville, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

She was a native of Rutherford County and the daughter of the late Clyde and Viola Carpenter Griffin.

Born at her grandparent's house on Griffin Road in Forest City, Martha grew up and graduated from R-S Central High School in the class of 1958. She later received a Bachelor's Degree from Pfeiffer College, and a Master's Degree from Western Carolina University.

Martha's career led her away from Rutherford County, where she worked in Christian education and music at churches in Haywood and Buncombe Counties. Later she settled in Hendersonville, where she became one of the first North Carolina Juvenile Court Counselors. This job became her passion, and she excelled at it. She was an authority on Juvenile Law, and was highly respected by her peers and Juvenile Court officials. She retired from her position in 2001.

She is survived by her husband, Terry Gunter; sister, Barbara Thompson; nieces, Vicki Fox (Luke), and Audra Thompson; nephew, Anthony Thompson (Julie); grand-nieces Haley Mullen (Hunter) and Aubrey Thompson (Eddie); and grand-nephew Kaleb Thompson (Maggie); great-grand-nieces Eva Grace and Iva Maria Jimenez.

The funeral was held at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church on December 13 with Rev. Keys Pendleton officiating.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.