She was born in Greensboro, NC to the late Gordon W. Morton and Mary Belle S. Morton of Greensboro. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Jack Lawrence Touchstone , son-in-law Hub White, grandson Hub White Jr., sisters Margaret Hilton and Louise Morton Nicks. She is survived by her brother Melvin Morton (Barbara) of Asheville and four children: Jack L. Touchstone, Jr. (Susan), Marianne White, Susan Leigh Touchstone and Donna Louise Touchstone. She was the proud grand mommy of 8: Hub White Jr., Kristen White Dean, Laura White Hitchcock (Jimi), Samantha Touchstone LoPiccolo (Brian), Jessica Touchstone, Hope Touchstone White (Seth), Martha Osswald Joyce (Shaun) and Grayson Osswald. She was great grand mommy (aka grammy) of 8: Olivia Dean, Hattie Belle, Gracie and James Hitchcock, Henry and Birdie LoPiccolo, Jack and Stoney Robinson.
She will be missed by, Abigail, her devoted adopted dog who provided companionship and joy over the past few years.
Martha Belle's 92 years were a gift to all who knew her. Her children, grand kids and great grand kids will always remember her as one who loved her family and we will cherish our years together. Her legacy includes decades of memories of our times together during holidays and family celebrations. She and Jack loved the Christmas season, which for them was 365 days a year. Our homes will always be adorned during the season with the countless ornaments and decorations they have collected and passed along; some going back to the 1950s.
Many who knew Martha Belle in earlier years will remember her as a fantastic soprano soloist at various churches in Greensboro and Asheville where she and Jack were members. She was performing in church as early as age 14. We were so proud of her.
For many years she worked as a claims adjuster for State Mutual Assurance Co. in Greensboro as well as other agencies in Greensboro and Asheville.
She loved gardening and appreciated the beauty in nature.
For several years she and Jack were members of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro. Mom enjoyed the weekly dinners in various Greensboro restaurants with her Friendly Avenue Sunday school friends. We are grateful for the friends and clergy who provided Mom with their company and support.
In recent years she attended Jamestown United Methodist Church where she made even more friends. She enjoyed working with others in the church in distributing the monthly newsletters. JUMC's support and comfort for Mom are appreciated.
Martha Belle spent time in her later years volunteering at The Sheppard Center and the Republican headquarters in Greensboro.
In addition to gardening and flower arranging she had other passions, including a love of chocolate and "antiquing", which she called "junking". She loved her Southern heritage. As we were helping her remove from her home all of the magazines and other accumulated items she insisted that we hold on to Southern Living and the North Carolina magazine, Our State.
Her family is grateful she is no longer suffering. She has passed through the gates of heaven to be in the presence of her Savior and her loving husband Jack.
A Celebration of Life Service for Martha Belle will be held at Jamestown United Methodist Church on Sunday April 28 at 2:00 PM. The Reverend Jim Watford will officiate. Following the service, visitation will be held in the church fellowship hall.
Please consider contributions in Martha Belle’s memory to; Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405, Friendly Avenue Baptist Church Music Department, 4800 W Friendly Ave., Greensboro NC 27410 or to Jamestown United Methodist Church Music Department, PO Box 339, Jamestown, NC 27282
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