Mrs. Rachel Newel Martin Nitsche

Rachel Martin Nitsche, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister died peacefully on January 28, 2024. Born March 1, 1938, Rachel loved reading, baking and birdwatching. Many have benefited from her thoughtfulness in receiving a meal, a piece from her glass collection, a handwritten card, or a phone call to comfort or encourage. Following the passing of her husband Rudi Nitsche in 2004, Rachel chose Sparta, NC as her hometown. While living there, Rachel enjoyed volunteering at Alleghany CARES and attending Sparta Presbyterian Church where she was dedicated to creating an inviting library. Rachel moved in with family in Charlotte, NC in recent years and loved being surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children Sharon Freeman (Mike), David Thurman (Mary Beth), Daniel Thurman (Suzy), Michael Thurman (Astghik), and Arthur Thurman; by her grandchildren Andrew (Kristen) Freeman, Mary Rachel (Ted) Eshleman, Philip (Sarah) Freeman, Stephen (Maggie) Freeman, Thomas (Erika) Thurman, Deborah Thurman (Dan Normandin), Mary Elizabeth (Jeff) Lambert, Eric Thurman, Christina Thurman, Kathryn Thurman, Anna Thurman and Jonathan Thurman; and by her great-grandchildren David Freeman, Anna Freeman, Mary Frances Freeman, Elizabeth Freeman, William Freeman, Jane Freeman, Margaret Eshleman, Catherine Eshleman, Henry Eshleman, Lou Freeman, John Freeman and Hollis Thurman. Born to Tom and Agnes Martin, Rachel’s siblings called her one of “the bookends” as the oldest of nine children. Their childhood home and their homes established in adulthood have been rich in love and in faith in the Lord. The brothers and sisters continue monthly calls to stay updated on each other’s lives. Her siblings are Mark Martin, Stephen Martin (Loretta), David Martin (Ann d. 2011), Timothy Martin (Frankie d. 2018), Rebecca Edwards (Jim d. 1999), Daniel Martin (Carolyn d. 2016), Andy Martin (d. 2016), and Thomas Martin (Diane d. 2023), together with a bonus brother absorbed into the family, Jimmy Stuckey Martin (d. 2005). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the chapel of Brookside Funeral Home with interment to follow at Brookside Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home on the day of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rachel’s honor to Bethel Church, PO Box 494, Selma, AL 36792. Brookside Funeral Home, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens of Millbrook, AL directing.