Martha Louise Guice

Martha Louise Guice, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on May 19, 1935, in Washington, DC, and raised in the city.

Martha married the love of her life, Carroll Preston Guice, Jr, in 1962. They had 47 years together, raising their family in both Maryland and North Carolina, until Preston’s death in 2009.

Martha loved the Lord and treasured her family. Her life was a testament to her belief in leaving the world better than she found it—a Girl Scout principle she embodied through every interaction and relationship. Her warmth, generosity and steadfast faith touched all who knew her and her spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

Martha's career spanned numerous secretarial positions where she contributed her talents to the Department of Agriculture, Henderson County Social Services, Covenant Presbyterian, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Rotary Club. Beyond her professional endeavors, Martha was deeply devoted to her faith and community. She sang in the choir at every church she attended and served in numerous roles, including Chairman of Women in Church, Stephen Minister, Deacon, Girl Scout Leader and mentor to children in confirmation class. Her passion for life extended to a variety of interests, such as reading, Bible study, sewing, hiking, genealogy and attending Highland Games with her beloved husband.

Preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Suman and Grace Augusta (Wenzel) Dinsmore; her husband, Carroll Preston Guice, Jr.; an infant son and siblings Walter Cox Dinsmore, James Edward Dinsmore, Allen Wenzel Dinsmore, Earl Benjamin Dinsmore, Mary Augusta Dinsmore, Barbara Ann Butler, Robert Eugene Dinsmore and Kenneth Suman Dinsmore.

Martha leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. She is survived by her loving children: Lawrence Dale Manley, Earl Benjamin Manley (Anita), Carol Louise Guice-Perron (Bruce) and Kathleen Nell Guice Reid (Kevin). Her memory lives on in her grandchildren: Ben Manley (Amelia), LaurenManley (Mathew), Laura Reid Nix (Jacob), Christopher Reid and Shawna Sides (Elias Littenburg); and great-grandchildren: Scarlet, Riley and Preston Manley; Ryker Reid, Graylin Nix, Asher and Carson Littenburg-Sides and Kylah Shrewsbury. Martha is also survived by her brother, Donald Stewart Dinsmore (Betty) of Ohio; sister-in-law, Ruth Butler of Brevard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on May 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church, located at 699 N Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792. A reception will follow immediately in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.