Martha Walker Cissy McCord

Martha (Cissy) Walker McCord was born in Greenville, South Carolina March 25, 1944 the daughter of Wesley Walker, a prominent attorney, and Martha Walker, a beloved matron there. Cissy attended Sullins College and University of South Carolina before moving to Atlanta in the 1970’s where she met her future husband of 43 years, Sonny McCord, a practicing physician there. Cissy had a wonderful life raising a family, cultivating her interest in the art world, and being supportive to her loved ones in the tradition of her mother, acquiring a circle of many friends and participating in numerous worthwhile projects. Cissy had many close and dear friends. Some are mentioned because of their duration: Diane Barber and Jane McColl, her first cousins, Rebie Benedict and many other dear friends too numerous to name here. She has been universally loved by all and, because of her kindness and caring for others, was considered to be an angelic spirit as well as friend, by all.

On August 19, 2014 Cissy underwent surgery resulting in disastrous complications requiring her to be cared for in the ICU at Piedmont Hospital for two months and then was transferred to the Emory University Hospital ICU under the care of Dr. John Galloway for another month. During this period of time, Cissy became somewhat of a hero to the ICU staff because of her courage, will to live, and fighting spirit. Her complications could not be overcome and Cissy passed away November 24 at 3: 31 p.m.

Special thanks to Dr. John Galloway for his renowned kindness, surgical skills and heroic efforts to save Cissy and to Dr. Craig Coopersmith for his guidance, medical skills and support. And we thank the entire Emory University ICU team for their extraordinary kindness and care that exemplified the finest that medicine can offer. Dr. Mark Codner, a close friend of the family, provided critical advice and support during this process and thanks to Dr. Bert Losken who was integral in her transfer to Emory. Cissy is survived by her husband, Clinton D McCord Junior M.D., two daughters, Martha (Marty) McCord and Hollis McCord Zimmer, and two grandchildren Eliza (Cookie) Zimmer and Torin (Bobby) Layton and two sons-in-law Don Zimmer and Jesse Layton. She is also survived by a dear sister, Nancy Holmes, who traveled miles each week to be at Cissy's side, and a brother Wes Walker.

Cissy will be missed by all - as close to an angel in human form as we will ever get. The following is from her husband:

Cissy

You have a self,

that I strive to have

but have not.

Your gentleness is a mist

that fills a room

mending those about you

Your softness is warm music flowing

radiating tenderness

Your laughter is always

as kind

as it is mirthful

Your look and touch

is a calming balm

of strength

In short, if strength ever

comes from love,

it comes from you.

I can never hope to achieve

your grace,

but you must know

that even as my body skin

shrinks with years,

there is some inside gentility of mine

that has come from you.,

You have made me better

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church at 11 o’clock on Monday, December 1st followed by a reception at the Piedmont Driving Club 12:30.