Martha W. Little

Mrs. Martha “Marty” Woodford Little, 75, of Columbia, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012. Born in Philippi, West Virginia, on April 21, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Thomas L. and Frances Davidson Woodford. Marty grew up in Belington, West Virginia where she graduated from Belington High School. She went on to receive a degree in 1958 from Davis and Elkins College, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, and was the 1956 Military Ball Queen. In 1957, Marty married her college sweetheart, Wade Nelson Watring. As with most military families, they moved about, living in California and Indiana until 1992 when she moved to Columbia. There she worked and later retired from the Insurance Management Group. In 2001, Marty married Roy Little who preceded her in death by just four months.

Marty was a member of The First Presbyterian Church, the Encouragers Class and the Circle Number 11. Previously she had been a member of Eastminister Presbyterian Church where she was active in the Pastoral Care Committee and was secretary for the Frank Hardin Sunday School Class. Marty was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was active on the board of the Woodhill Estates Homeowners Association. A talented artist, her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Survivors include her daughter, Laura (Dr. Michael C.) Foster of Columbia and their children, Lee Ann, Michael Cameron “Cam” Foster, Jr., Frances, and Mary Grace; her son, Michael Watring and his children, Andrew, Emily, and Erin Watring; her son, David (Dianne) Watring and their son, August; her only sibling, Myla Woodford (Forest J.) Bowman; and the children of her second husband, Roy Little: Marie Hart Little Langley (Hank), Roy A. Little, III (Andrea) and Edward P. “Ned” Little (Ashley); as well as seven grandchildren, Anne Marie Langley, Allie Little Langley, Janet Elizabeth Langley, Peyton McFall Little, Anne Hackett Hart Little, Charlotte Elizabeth Little and Caroline Everette Little.

Mrs. Little’s service will be held 3 o’clock, Saturday, January 7, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson and The Rev. L. Craig Wilkes officiating. The family will greet friends in Jackson Hall following the service. Prior to the service a private burial will take place in the Churchyard. Friends are invited to call at the home of Laura and Michael Foster, 1548 Kathwood Rd., Columbia, Friday evening from 5 until 7 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201