Martha Elizabeth Urban

Martha Elizabeth Lacey Urban, 74, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away at home on February 13, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on October 24, 1951, in Birmingham, Martha was the daughter of Martha Sybil Brannon and Harry Cunningham Lacey. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dan Lacey; and her sister-in-law, Dianne Lacey. Martha grew up in Birmingham and remained deeply rooted in the city she loved throughout her life. She attended the University of Montevallo and UAB before beginning what would become a distinguished 34-year career at Luckie Advertising. Starting as a staff artist, Martha’s creativity, dedication, and quiet intelligence led her to roles as Art Director and ultimately Vice President and Account Supervisor. While she achieved considerable professional success, what colleagues remember most was her steady presence, patience, and genuine care for the people around her. She treated everyone the same, from the guys in the mailroom to the owner of the company, and those around her never questioned where Martha stood on anything. At the center of her life was her beloved husband, Richard. They fell in love 52 years ago and their 47-year marriage was marked by devotion, humor, and enduring partnership. Martha also cherished her sister Marie, who was her confidant, friend, and who loved and supported her mightily through the last few weeks of Martha’s life. She is survived by her husband, Richard; her sister, Marie Reynolds; her nephew, Jack King (Haili); her great-nephew, “Jack Jack”; and numerous cousins, nephews, and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. Martha found joy in life’s simple and beautiful gifts. She loved the beach and the mountains of North Carolina, where she found rest and renewal. She was an accomplished seamstress and a devoted gardener who nurtured orchids and other plants with great care. She loved birdwatching, tending her garden, and creating beauty in the spaces around her. Martha was caring, patient, and quietly strong. She was always ready to help, always willing to listen. Friends and family will remember her warm smile, the unmistakable arch of her eyebrow — the “Martha look” — and the twinkle in her eye that often preceded a “Really?” or a bit of humor. She had a gift for making others feel supported and understood. A faithful member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Martha lived her faith through kindness, service, and compassion. Her life reflected a steady commitment to caring for others and tending faithfully to what was entrusted to her — her family, her friends, her work, and her community. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1728 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama 35209. The Mass will be officiated by the Very Reverend Justin Ward, STL, of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, Alabama 35115. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, First Light Shelter, or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Richard is deeply grateful to Martha’s cherished circle of friends known as “the Birds”, for their steadfast love, laughter, and support across four decades of friendship. Martha will be most remembered for her kindness, her steadiness, and the quiet grace with which she lived. Her presence brought comfort, her patience brought calm, and her love brought light to those around her. For so many she was the rock and the glue, and she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Well done, good and faithful servant.