Martha Ruth Walters

Martha Ruth Walters, affectionately known as “Mott”- a nickname her siblings gave her as a little girl - passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, surrounded by her devoted family. She now joins her beloved husband, Charles J. Walters in heaven after a life rich in love and laughter.

Born on July 4, 1932, in Escambia, Alabama, Martha was the seventh of eight children born to the late James Paahyton Harrison and Fannie Lolena Tucker Harrison.

Martha was known for her quick wit, lively sense of humor, and fiercely independent spirit. She was a strong and self-sufficient woman who cared for herself and lived life on her own terms until the final month of her life. At the heart of everything was her deep love for her family. She was a devoted and nurturing mother and grandmother who took great joy in caring for the people she loved. And true to her spirited personality, Martha always had a love for rock ’n’ roll and a good beat.

She was a fabulous cook and a gracious hostess who loved nothing more than bringing family together around a beautifully set table, often with her treasured fine china making an appearance. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with family, shopping and antiquing, listening to music, dancing, and creating beautiful spaces through her love of interior decorating. Her home was a reflection of her warm and welcoming spirit: always open, inviting, and filled with life, laughter, and love. Above all, Martha cherished the time she shared with the people she loved, creating memories that will be remembered for generations to come.

Martha was a member of Cottage Hill Baptist Church, where her faith was an important part of her life. Her well-worn Bible held a special reminder of the strength and hope she carried with her each day. Written in its pages was her life verse, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” These words reflected Martha’s steadfast faith, her strength of spirit, and the trust she placed in God throughout her life. Her faith was a quiet but enduring part of who she was and a legacy she leaves with those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 58 years, Charles J. Walters; her daughter, Carol Walters Butler; her brothers, William Pierce Harrison, James Raymond Harrison, James Paayhton Jr, “Junior” Harrison, and Robert Glenn Harrison; her sisters Margarel Beatrice Harrison Hanna, Mary Frances Harrison, and Mildred Jeanette Harrison Mayer; and many beloved friends.

Martha treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson, and they were among her greatest joys in life. Her surviving family includes, her two daughters, Janet (Johnny) Cobb of Mobile and Susan (Victor) Ellis of Auburn; two sons, Bill Walters of Daphne and David (Dana) Walters of Charleston; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Cole) Olive, Bethany (Bobby) Faulk, Levi Walters, Zeke Walters, Seth (Riley) Walters, Hallie Ruth Walters, and Jason Ellis; one great-grandson, Dylan Olive; and son-in-law, Jimmie Butler. Through them, Martha’s love, strength, laughter, and the many lessons she shared will live on, carrying her legacy forward for generations to come.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Pine Crest Funeral Home and Cemetery 1939 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605. Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm with a chapel service to follow at 1:00pm. A graveside interment will follow immediately after the chapel service. Family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we gather to honor and remember Martha.