Martha Nell Hinz

Martha Nell Hinz, age 77, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on October 31, 2026. Martha was born on March 28, 1949, at the Army hospital in Camp Lee, Virginia, to Dorothy and Colonel Thomas Hoag. She was raised in Virginia, France, Germany, New Jersey, and Georgia before her father retired and settled in Jacksonville, Florida.

Martha participated in Girl Scouts and was a talented dancer at the Baggs Studio of Dancing and Dramatic Art. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and went on to attend Florida State University, where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. During her time at Florida State, Martha participated in the 1968 Miss Tallahassee pageant. She served as her sorority’s rush chair and as the secretary of LA Petite Corps, a women’s honor society and spirit group at the university. She was also selected into Garnet Key, which recognizes students at Florida State who exhibit outstanding leadership, scholarship, service, and spirit.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, Martha spent the following years traveling the world as a flight attendant for Delta. She retired and settled in Marietta, Georgia to selflessly devote her life to her two children, Holly and Matthew. She spent countless hours at swim meets, football games, and tennis matches, cheering on her children. Martha loved Holly and Matthew wholly and unconditionally. She sought every possible avenue and opportunity for them to thrive and pursue their dreams.

Martha was an excellent cook and baker, a prolific and talented wreath and jewelry maker, an avid tennis player, and an award-winning ballroom dancer. After her children were grown, she continued to travel and made trips to Europe, Africa, the Galapagos Islands, Russia, and more. Martha loved fashion, cats, sweets, Broadway musicals, trips to the beach, shopping, and all things Christmas. She was kind, compassionate, generous, and loyal. She loved to host a party and, over the years, grew an amazing group of friends, whom she loved very dearly.

Martha’s greatest joy in life was becoming a grandmother to Lucy. Although they had few years together, Martha and Lucy spent time making jewelry, hunting easter eggs, and decorating gingerbread houses. Martha loved Disney World and was overjoyed to watch Lucy experience the parks for the very first time.

Martha faced a diagnosis of Parkinson’s with remarkable strength and courage. The disease took her mobility but not her spirit, sense of humor, or impeccable style. She made an undeniable impact on the lives of so many. She will be forever remembered for the joy she brought to the lives of others.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marilynn Ford; and her son, Matthew Hinz. She is survived by her daughter, Holly Kaufman (Brad); and her granddaughter, Lucy.

A Celebration of Life for Martha will be held on Sunday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m. at H.M. Patterson and Son Canton Hill, 1157 Old Canton Road, Marietta, Georgia 30068. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Good Mews Animal Foundation or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.