Martha Jane Marion Hayworth departed this world on January 9, 2024. She was born on May 26th, 1929 to William Harmon Marion and Mary Zetta Nelson Marion in Mount Airy, North Carolina. She was one of ten children and was predeceased by her husband, James Madison Hayworth, her parents and brothers and sisters, Mary Hannah Marion Redmond, William Harmon Marion, jr, Haywood Nelson Marion, Irene Virginia Marion Buikema, Thelma Zetta Marion Walls, James Franklin Marion, Margaret Katherine Marion Roderer, Robert Houston Marion and Nancy Caroline Marion Faulk.
Born eighth in the family Martha enjoyed a close relationship with her Mother, Zetta Marion, helping her in her vegetable garden. She was also close to her Dad, William Marion, helping him in his music and furniture business. She grew up in Galax, Virginia and loved the music her talented family played and produced. She loved having her mother make a pineapple upside down cake just for her while the rest of her family ate chocolate cake. She was a cheerleader at Galax High School and was always in “cahoots” with her sister, Kat (short for Katherine) up to pranks and fun!
On a blind date in 1949, she met Jim Hayworth and fell in love and they were married in 1950. She and Jim raised 3 children, Connie Hayworth Burwell (W. Brodie Burwell, jr ) Jennie Hayworth Latimer ( C. Thomas Latimer III) and James Madison Hayworth, jr- Jimmy. Martha was committed to her family. She was an excellent cook who made iced butter cookies at Christmas and only 2 weeks ago was making Persimmon Pudding, one of her specialties. She entertained her young family with crafts and reading books. Excitement reigned when the McCall's Magazine arrived and shortly after apple turkeys were decorating the table or paper chains for Christmas were hanging from doors and the Christmas tree!
As a lifelong member of High Point Friends Meeting she taught Sunday School and helped to keep the nursery. She helped with Bible School when her children were young, She served in various PTA’s and helped with the many projects her children were involved in including Brownies, Girl Scouts, etc.and chaperoning at sports events. She also worked at the election polls on voting days for over 20 years.
She loved her grandchildren including Tripp Burwell (Lauren Miller), Powell Latimer ( Tyler McFayden) , Martha Elliott Hayworth ( named for her grandmother) and Owen Miller Hayworth. Known as Honey and Nana, she always had a kind word for her grandchildren and an oatmeal raisin cookie ready.
She loved seeing her great grandchildren, Birch Miller Burwell, Karst Miller Burwell, Elliott Powell Latimer. What a wonderful group of new family members she had!
The place you could most often find Martha was in her garden- vegetable or flower. She loved both and often carried vegetables to her friends, neighbors and Church members. Everyone wanted Martha’s tomatoes! The vegetables were gifts of her love and affection. Her peace and Faith were found in the dirt she raked, turned and weeded with consistency. Angelo Davis was her faithful assistant in helping her grow her bounty. The family is thankful for his help and strength as hers ebbed.
The celebration of Martha’s life will take place on January 20th, 2024 at 11 am at High Point Friends Meeting. The family will receive visitors afterwards in the Ragan Hall. In Lieu of flowers please direct memorials to High Point Friends Meeting 800 Quaker Lane High Point, North Carolina 27262 or to Feeding Lisa’s Kids 1225 Chestnut Drive, High Point, N.C. 27262. Online condolences may be made at Sechrestdavisphillipsavenue.com.
