Mrs. Martha Cooke Oliphant

She was a native of Iredell County, born May 28, 1933 and was the daughter of the late James Oscar Cooke, Sr. and Florence Brown Cooke. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother: James Oscar Cooke, Jr.

On September 29, 1953 she married Jack Oliphant, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters: Donna O. Chamberlain and husband Phil of Hickory, Sherry O. Winslow and husband Dan and Linda O. Gillon and husband Marc all of Statesville, six grandchildren: Kindall Otis (William) of Columbia, Bryan Chamberlain of Greenville, S.C., Avery Winslow, Meredith Winslow, Marcus Gillon and Evan Gillon all of Statesville, one brother: Reid Cooke and wife Shelia of Cleveland, and two sisters; Gladys C. Coble of Cleveland and Hilda Ruth C. Sherrill and husband Herb of Statesville.

Martha devoted her life to raising her children and took great pride in her grandchildren. She loved and cared for them very much. She loved to cook and work in her flower garden.

She was a life-long member of Bethesda Presbyterian church, where services celebrating her life will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Canessa L. Stafford and Rev. Hampton Hunter officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends this evening (Wednesday) from 6 until 8 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home.

For those who prefer: Memorials may be given to Bethesda Presbyterian Church Cemetery Trust Fund, 802 Bethesda Road, Statesville, N.C. 28687 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, N.C. 28625,

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Martha Cooke Oliphant.