Mrs. Martha Zoe Breugem

The Northport Funeral & Cremation Service extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Martha Zoe Breugem, who completed her life at the age of 86, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Tuscaloosa, joining her husband James “Jim” Breugem in an eternity of love.

Zoe was born in 1940 in Tuscaloosa and raised in Duncanville, AL by Marion Richmond Wiggins and Lottie Lawrence Wiggins. She was deeply loved by her community, both as an active member of One Hope Church and through her many years serving as secretary for TCSS at Woodland Forrest Elementary School. Her impact on the children she loved and nurtured as her own echoes still today.

A lover of nature, Zoe raised her daughter and grandchildren to watch and listen to the world around them — the trees, the flowers, and especially the birds. She would listen to their songs and sing back to them, pointing to our connection with God through the beauty of creation.

This caring spirit extended to everyone around her. For her entire life, including her final days, she used her gift of noticing the needs of others. Whether it was a listening ear, a partner for a walk, or a home-cooked meal, she always gave before she received, living out a true life of service for those to whom she could be of service. Everything was deeply felt by her, as if she was physically able to carry the emotions of others, letting them shed a bit of the weight they carried. The world is lighter because she lived.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Breugem; parents, Marion Richmond Wiggins and Lottie Lawrence Wiggins; siblings, Linda (Charles) Bardon, Johnny (Bertha) Wiggins, Jaudon (Carolyn) Wiggins; and nephews, David and Donald Glenn Bardon.

Zoe lives on through her daughter, Jan Breugem Simpson; son in law, Richard Allan Simpson; grandson, James Connor Simpson; granddaughter, Zoe Emily Simpson; and brothers, Larry R. Wiggins and Lee O. Wiggins.

A funeral service for both Zoe and James will be held Saturday, April 25, 1:00pm, at One Hope Church.

1501 McFarland Blvd North

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to One Hope Church to aid in the funding of the One Hope network for missions. Donations can be made online or through mail.

Compassionate, sympathetic, and professional care has been entrusted to the Northport Funeral & Cremation Service team.