Obituary: MARTHA LOUISE LAW WEBSTER
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Martha Louise Law Webster went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 after a brief illness. She was content and joyful in the fact that she would finally meet her savior face to face. Although her daughter writes this, in true “Martha fashion” she approved every word.
Martha was born to Fannie Agnes Hayden Law and Floyd Law on July 12, 1946. Her mother was most beloved to her and in Martha’s final days, she often spoke of seeing her again. While her father was not present in her early life, Martha did attempt to connect with him using her investigative skills to locate him. Although he had passed away, she went and visited friends and neighbors who had known him in order to know him better. This was a testimony to who she was as a person, tenacious and loving no matter the circumstance.
Martha graduated from Madison Mayodan High School in the Class of 1964. Her dream was to become an English Teacher yet she went on to a full career in the furniture industry, even owning her own store at one point and managing several others. She always credited her dear friends, Louis and Barry Joyce with starting her on this journey as one of her favorite jobs was working with them at Joyce Furniture Company. Martha served as the executive secretary at Cone Mills for many years and made lifelong friends there. She was a critical asset as they navigated their eventual closure, often quietly comforting those who were laid off while managing the pressures of a large shut down. From there she thought she would enjoy a long retirement but went to work for Brown Investments only a few days later where she also enjoyed a long tenure and made many dear friends who stayed in touch over the years. At her various jobs, Martha was also named employee of the year or given other awards many times. These recognitions were almost always connected to helping others or going above and beyond.
Martha was a member of Comers Chapel Baptist where she managed the prayer list and helped with the social committee. She volunteered and was an activist for many causes like the Barry Joyce Cancer Center and Jacobs Creek Nursing Home where she hosted a monthly birthday party for residents with gifts and cake. This was a ministry she enjoyed and one that brought joy to those who may not have a celebration otherwise. Seeing a need for high school girls to have access to prom dresses, she ran Kelly’s Closet out of her home for several years and provided dresses, tailoring, jewelry, shoes and even hair and nail gift certificates to high school girls in need. She did this quietly and with no accolades even when asked to do interviews or articles, stating that she wanted the girls to remain anonymous to avoid any embarrassment.
On January 4, 1975, she became the luckiest woman alive when she married her husband who survives her, Ronald Dean Webster. With him and their three daughters, Misti Williams (Jon), Ronda Philpott (Tom) and Cindi Webster, they enjoyed a wonderful 49 year marriage. She loved their grandchildren, William Webster Southard (Kayla), Mo Alder Southard, Ashley Anderson Huff (Branden), Katherine Elizabeth Lackey Williams, Adam Thomas Philpott, and Jackson Ronald Webster Hardison. She also loved their bonus grandchildren, Elaina Philpott, Devon Hardison and Liana Philpott. Martha and Ronnie were the youngest-looking great grandparents to Parker Reid Huff, Grayson Anderson Huff, and William Marshall Southard. She is also survived by three special nieces, Mona Easter, Mechele Lindenberg, and Marla Martin and special friends, Sheila Anderson and Patsy Whicker. Family and friends were number one to Martha and she loved to entertain and have them all around her.
Martha’s mother, Fannie Agnes Law, father Floyd Law, brother, William Clarence Hayden and nephew, William Mark Hayden went on to Heaven before her and await her there. Her dearest friend, sister-in-law, Glenda Hayden will also rejoice with her in Heaven. Martha missed her every single day. She also was very anxious to see her beloved dog, Jake at the Rainbow Bridge. The family is comforted that there will be a circle of saints to welcome her, two-legged and four-legged.
Martha loved to shag, the Embers,the “little black club bag”, and her family about whom she was fiercely protective. The beach was her absolute favorite place in the world and she spent many family trips and girls trips there, looking at the ocean’s marvel and laughing with her girls.
Martha was the funniest person in the world. Mostly inappropriately funny, but still hilarious. If you are smiling right now, you are most likely remembering a “Martha story” of your own or a “Martha update” from Misti, Ronda or Cindi. She brought joy and humor to everything and that will be truly missed.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ancora Compassionate Care, and especially Amy Stone for their tender care for Martha and our family during a very challenging time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Barry Joyce Cancer Center, The Humane Society, St. Judes Research Hospital or adopt a nursing home resident in your area at Christmas. Martha was always concerned for those who were forgotten and adopted many “strays” throughout her life. At Christmas, she kept the emergency closet of gifts as she often invited those who had no place else to go. Any act of kindness or service in her memory will be a testimony and dearly treasured by the family.
Ray Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Martha Webster and all are invited to offer condolences or share memories at www.rayfuneralhome.com.
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