Martha Hardee

Martha Ray Edwards Hardee, born December 14th, 1938 in Whiteville, NC, went into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. She was the daughter of the late Sampson and Fannie Edwards of Fair Bluff, North Carolina. Martha was preceded in death by her sisters Nettie L. Morgan, Norma Dixie Gore, and brother Sammy Edwards of Fair Bluff, North Carolina.

Martha graduated from Floyds High School in 1956 where she excelled academically and played basketball with a passion. After marriage she moved to Charleston, South Carolina and returned to Fair Bluff in 1968. She has been a member of the Fair Bluff Baptist Church for 52 years and served as a Sunday School teacher, Acteens Leader, and in the WMU. Martha earned her BSN from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Following graduation she became a commissioned officer, ranking Captain in the United States Army serving as a Medical Surgical Nurse at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. She continued her service in the U.S. Army Reserves and earned the promotion of Major. After her military service Martha worked extensively as a civilian travel nurse in hospitals across the United States. She spent a year at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Oahu, Hawaii before returning to San Antonio. After retirement Martha returned to her hometown, Fair Bluff, NC, to be near family and friends in Fair Bluff and surrounding communities.

Martha loved worshipping and serving God in the Fair Bluff Baptist Church. She was a reading aficionado and her love for reading gave her endless enjoyment. She was a loyal and dedicated Tar Heel fan. She loved music, dancing, and spending time with her daughters, family, and friends.

Martha is survived by her daughters, Jeanne Fairfax and husband Keith, North Myrtle Beach, SC, Donna Hardee, (Regan Shoaf) North Myrtle Beach, SC, Fanny Hardee (Karen Young) San Antonio, Texas, her brother, Johnny M. Edwards and sister-in-law, Sarah, her lifelong best friend, Ann Fairfax, Cherry Grove, NC, her beloved canine companion, Molly, and her many beloved grand canines and felines.

The family will receive friends immediately preceding the Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 8th beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Fair Bluff Baptist Church 1205 Main Street Fair Bluff, NC. The Celebration of Life will be led by Dr. Ray Lundy and Mrs. Phyllis Elvington, Pastor.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the building fund at Fair Bluff Baptist Church 1205 Main St. Fair Bluff, NC 28439 or to Paws-Ability P.O. Box 6174 Ocean Isle Beach, NC