Martie Guy

Martha Ann "Martie" Guy, age 66, passed away on August 20, 2026. Born outside of Ridgway, Illinois on May 23, 1960, Martie went on to live a life marked by faith, fierce love, and a stubborn, beautiful determination to follow Jesus.

If you knew Martie, it was no surprise that Jesus was her favorite person and if you did not know that, you did not know Martie.

Her faith wasn't something she kept on a shelf, it was a cloak she wore day in and day out, with a willing heart and open hands no matter how tough the road. She would have been the first to tell you that she wasn't perfect, though she lived with a sincere and relentless desire to be a light, to be the salt, and to love in a way that anyone who crossed her path would know the goodness of God.

Martie was a two-time breast cancer survivor, who when diagnosed for a third time chose to lead with her faith instead of her fear. She did not ask for sympathy, but instead chose to share the good news that God always has been and still is in control. She often stated: "I have always asked for an early check-in to heaven, and it appears God is granting that." Despite her body breaking, she continued to pour out her love and hope for others, the epitome of how she lived her life.

Martie built a career in finance as a CPA, known for her dedication, excellence, and work ethic. She earned her initial degree in finance from Murray State University and later, with characteristic determination, obtained a psychology degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. When she made plans, they usually included about three spreadsheets — a reflection of both her organized mind and the care she put into every detail, not to mention her need for control. Prior to her passing, a Legacy Award was created in her honor by her colleagues at Blankenship CPA Group, a fitting recognition of the lasting impact she made through her professional life and the relationships she built along the way. In her own words she would say "it has been good to me, and I hope that I have been good to it." Indeed, she was.

Martie didn't take life too seriously, and she didn't let the people she loved take themselves too seriously either. She had a gift for finding the joy in ordinary moments and making sure nobody missed it. She touched and impacted the lives of everyone she met in some way — whether big or small, but always memorably as witnessed by the many individuals who visited with her in her final months on hospice. Martie made sure the people in her life were cared for and never without. She was Type-A: determined, and perhaps a little stubborn. She did things her way, even if it was the harder way. Though God's kindness and patience shaped that into her actions being His way.

To her family, Martie was affectionately known as "Grammie." She enjoyed gardening, trips to the beach, hiking, playing cards, biking, and puzzles, but her favorite moments were spent with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends — sharing her faith, deepening fellowship, and making great memories alongside the people she loved. One of those memories was the beloved "Cookie Day" tradition before Christmas each year with the ladies in her family. Martie was musically gifted, playing piano and serving as first-chair alto saxophone, and was active in her church, First Baptist Church, Gallatin.

Martie is survived by her parents, Bettie and Cecil Lemons; her husband of nearly 16 years, Bryan Guy; her brother, Jerry Lemons and his wife, Elizabeth; her sons, Kyle Barrow and his wife, Alexis, and Mark Barrow and his wife, Angel; her six grandchildren, Hayden, Winter, Athena, David, Raylan, and Wyatt; her niece, Abby Lemons Stevens and her husband, Mark; her nephew, Adam Lemons; and her ex-husband, Ricky Barrow and his wife, Emily. She is also survived by extended family and other loved ones who will treasure her life and carry her memory forward.

Martie's life was a beautiful song — one that held notes of perseverance and grace, laughter and grit, deep faith and deeper love. Those who knew her will remember her caring heart, her playful spirit, her fierce devotion to the people she loved, her unmistakable personality, and above all, her love for Jesus. "Our God is good. He's always good, even when we can't understand His plan."

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Gallatin on East Main Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alive Hospice and/or the First Baptist Church Gallatin benevolence fund.

Give to Alive Hospice online at https://alivehospice.org/get-involved/give/ or by mail to 1718 Patterson Street Nashville, TN, 37203. Give to First Baptist Church Gallatin by mail to 205 East Main St. Gallatin, Tennessee 37066.