Margie Jane Putnam

On January 28th 2021 Margie Martin Putnam returned to her heavenly home after a valiant fight with mesothelioma, lymphoma and COVID related complications. Her faith and devotion to family supported her and gave her peace.

It would be incorrect to say that she lost her long battle with cancer, then COVID because she was a fighter and never gave up. No matter how sick she became, she was determined to spend more precious time with her loving family. Margie remained steadfast in her faith which provided her much resilience and perseverance. Her health had been declining for quite some time, however only few people knew the extent to which she suffered.

The name Margie comes from the Greek language meaning “Pearl”. There are no two pearls that are alike and there was no one like Margie. She was truly unique. A pearl is beautiful but usually does not stand out alone but enhances the beauty of others. Margie was a beautiful woman and elevated those surrounding her. But more importantly she exalted the grace, hope and beauty of Jesus.

Margie was born on December 19, 1938 in Vale, NC, to the late Lannie Dean Martin and Texie Martin. She married Hugh L Putnam in 1955. Faith, family and fortitude were the building blocks of their 65 years together. Margie was strong-headed and goal-oriented. She wanted more for her family than she had. She lived a wonderful life, enjoyed many experiences with her friends and family. All of this shaped Margie into the woman she was – a woman of her word, a woman of faith, a protector and provider of her family and treasured her husband Hugh.

Margie is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Hugh L Putnam of Newton, NC, their children Johnny Putnam (Trudye) of Hickory, NC, Kathy P. Whaley (Steve) of Columbia, SC, Teresa P. Shook (Terry) of Newton, NC, brother Charles Martin (Della), grandchildren Kristen Shook of Durham, NC, Kelly Shook Smith (Deaton) of Newton, NC, Megan Putnam Lail (Chad) of Newton, NC; Martin Alexander Whaley of Columbia, SC, Benjamin Whaley of Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren Saylor Boone, Lincoln Lail, Maverick Lail, Kennedy Smith, Olivia Smith and Palmer Jensen. She was preceded in death by her parents Lanny and Texie Martin of Vale, NC, sister Doris Short (Carl) of Vale, NC sister, Linda Cornwell (Ron) of Huntington Beach, CA and brother Donald Martin of Vale, NC.

A graveside celebration of her life is scheduled at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Catawba Memorial Park, Hickory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wake Forest Baptist Health who took great care of Margie over the years. Memorial gifts should be marked “In Honor of Margie Putnam” and mailed to Wake Forest Baptist Health, Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, PO Box 571021, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 or completed online at https://www.wakehealth.edu/About-Us/Philanthropy.

Condolences may be sent to the Putnam family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.

The Putnam family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home and Cremations in Hickory, NC.