Martha Ann Vardeman Love

Martha Ann, daughter of the late T.G. and Martha L. Grimsley, was born in Valdosta, GA, and grew up in Columbus, GA. Before graduating from Jordan High School in 1948, Martha Ann was a majorette, avid skater, and member of the Bob Barr Marching Band. After graduating from high school she was employed by Schwobilt Clothes and worked there for 20 years.

In 1954 Martha Ann married David Edwin (“Ed”) Vardeman, Sr. While raising their family, she and Ed also worked together as owners of Vardeman’s Grocery. Martha Ann continued as sole proprietor upon Ed’s passing away in 1987 and retired in 1993.

Martha Ann enjoyed dancing, shopping, walking, and meeting people. It was through dancing that she met her second love, Mr. Sam Love, whom she married in 1993. Many years later, once again, her love of dance and people led her to her final dance partner, Mr. Orland Givens, which blessed her with precious bonus family members.

Mrs. Love was preceded in death by her husbands, Ed Vardeman and Sam Love, and her good friend and companion, Orland Givens. She is survived by her three children; David E. Vardeman, Jr. (Cindy), Roderick Glenn Vardeman, and Jennifer Vardeman Johnson (B.J.); nine grandchildren; Leigh V. Walker, Grace V. Force, Logan Vardeman, Caleb Vardeman, Brennan Vardeman, Cole Johnson, Corinne Johnson, Tanya J. McDaniel, and Tyeise J. Wetzel; eight great-granchildren; one niece; Jan Vardeman; one nephew; Rod Vardeman. Mrs. Love truly loved and appreciated her honorary family members to include Debra Givens Hall; Bobby Noland; Ben, Jessica, Benjamin, and Holden Reeves; and Allisa Adams Thomas.

Mrs. Love’s family is thankful for Magnolia Manor EAST and is especially grateful for the exceptional kindness and care shown to Mrs. Love by Angela Scott, C.J. Morales, Felecia Johnson, Debi Wood, Andrea Showers, Catina Moore, Amanda Roberts, Rhonda Gilley, Chelsea Williams, Debbie Studdard, Ms. Hamilton, Margaret Sandbach, Ethyl Khalid and Kayla Jefferson.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 12, 2021 from 1:00-2:00pm at Striffler-Hamby of Columbus, GA. Graveside will follow at 2:00pm at Parkhill Cemetery, with Rev. Mike Reeves officiating. Striffler-Hamby is in charge of the arrangements.