Mrs. Martha McAfee Buffington, age 84, of Woodstock, formerly of Adairsville, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with her loving family at her side.
Martha was born in Rome, Georgia on May 7, 1942, daughter of the late Josephine Giles McAfee and Rev. Grady McAfee. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband Mr. Harold E. Buffington who passed away on September 17, 2026; brother, Charles McAfee; and stepmother, Edith Frazier McAfee.
Survivors include her daughter, Gina Surratt and husband Kyle; granddaughters, Jordan Surratt and Reese Surratt; brother, Eddie McAfee and his wife Joy; step-brother, Dale Frazier and wife Patricia; step-sister, Susan Frazier Poole; sisters-in-law, Faye Dunlap and Karen Farrell and husband Jim and Minnie Buffington; several nieces and nephews also survive.
Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a faithful member of Adairsville Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and was a dedicated employee of the Bartow County School System, where she faithfully served for 25 years before retiring.
Everyone who met Martha seemed to use the same word to describe her: “sweet.” She was truly kind to everyone she met and was always willing to lend a hand, cook a meal, or bring someone a plant or flower from her garden. She enjoyed quilting with the ladies at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, and Martha truly had a servant’s heart.
Martha was a pastor’s daughter and carried a strong faith throughout her life. She loved collecting pretty things, especially jewelry. She was especially proud to set her Thanksgiving table with her beautiful dishes and linens for everyone to enjoy. If she knew someone did not have a place to go for Thanksgiving, she would invite them into her home. She was such a giving and selfless woman.
Martha went to work for the Bartow County School System in 1979. She began as a kindergarten paraprofessional and loved that job. It was the perfect fit for her. She worked at Cass Elementary and later moved to Adairsville High School, where she took students into the community to teach them work-based learning skills. This was an absolute joy for her. She loved seeing friends and neighbors throughout the community as she worked with her students.
Her work also gave her an opportunity to be known simply as Mrs. Buffington—not just as Harold’s wife or Gina’s mother. She loved both of those roles dearly, but in the role of Mrs. Buffington, she truly thrived.
Martha loved to travel. She could have her bag packed in just a few minutes and was always ready for an adventure. She especially loved her yearly trips to Daytona, where she reunited with friends and family. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were also among her favorite places. Some of her most memorable trips included two visits to Hawaii, as well as a trip to Boston and Maine.
Martha was an amazing mom, not only to her daughter, Gina, but also to many of Gina’s friends. She loved having a house full of people and always welcomed everyone into her home. When they left, she would remind them to come back anytime.
Martha’s greatest joy in life, though, was becoming Mama Mart to Jordan in 2000 and then Reese in 2004. She loved spending time with the girls and always enjoyed shopping for little treats for them. Even though she was working and lived an hour away, she made sure to see them every week. She did not want to miss a single moment of their lives.
Even when her health began to decline in 2022, she made sure to attend Jordan’s graduation from Georgia College & State University. She was also finally able to eat at Buffington’s restaurant, something that excited her greatly. Later that month, she looked forward to seeing Reese graduate from Woodstock High School.
Martha was a friend to everyone and one of the kindest souls you could ever meet. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but we find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with Harold, and they are suffering no more.
Gina would also like to recognize the loving care that Julie Edwards and Denise Newton provided to Martha during the last three years of her life. Their dedication, love, and care meant so much to Martha and her family, and they were part of the reason she was able to live as long as she did. Their kindness will never be forgotten.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Adairsville, with Reverends Kenny Rogers and Michael Clark officiating. Interment will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 1:30PM at the Georgia National Cemetery, Canton. Pallbearers include Donnie Reece, Donny Lowery, Jerry Kirkland, Dwayne Everett, Clayburn Crump, and Bobby Serritt. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Ball, Bill Lowery and William Martin.
The family will receive friends, Sunday, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Adairsville.
R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for Mrs. Martha McAfee Buffington.
