Martha Whitehead Wilson, 93, of Lenoir passed away on December 26, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born October 10, 1930 in Roanoke Rapids, Martha was the daughter of the late Gertrude Fox Whitehead and the late Millard Eley Whitehead. Martha moved to Lenoir as a teenager and attended Lenoir High School where she was the class valedictorian. She earned an A.A. from Mars Hill College and a B.A. in Business Administration at Wake Forest University.

Martha married Hugh Mal Wilson, her husband of 67 years, in 1956. They lived briefly in Columbia, South Carolina before returning to Lenoir in 1957 where they raised their three children.

Martha loved her family, her church, traveling and Wake Forest sports. She was an independent thinker with a witty sense of humor. She was kind and generous, always willing to help those in need. Martha was a dedicated community volunteer as a member of Lenoir Service League, the local library board, and was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church of Lenoir for more than 65 years where she enjoyed being in the Lydia Beam Sunday School class. She loved to play bridge, socialize with friends (particularly those in the "Tennis Group") and took pride in being a "social member" of her local garden club.

Martha's greatest challenge came 28 years ago when she was in a serious automobile accident that left her with limited mobility and frequent pain. Rather than letting that event limit her, Martha continued to live life to the fullest, traveling extensively, playing with her grandchildren and attending Wake Forest football and basketball games. Her strength and faith in the face of such adversity was an inspiration to her family and others.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her sister, Millison W. Patton and a cousin who was like a sister, Louise McCall Sheets.

Martha is survived by her husband, Hugh Mal Wilson, daughter Karen M. Wilson (Roger Grippe) of Winston Salem, daughter Lynne W. Chambers (Ken) of Raleigh, son Robert H. Wilson (Jennifer) of Wilmington, grandchildren Michael Chambers, Andrew Chambers, Alison Chambers, and step-grandchildren Amanda Grippe and Hudson Smith.  She is also survived by her brother, Eley Whitehead of Murfreesboro and a special cousin, Dr. Charles McCall of Winston Salem.

The family would like to thank Avail Home Care, Connie Hice, and Sandra Greene for their compassionate care of Martha.

A memorial service celebrating Martha's life will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lenoir with Dr. David Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church of Lenoir at 304 Main Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to the Hugh and Martha Wilson Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, PO Box 600, Lenoir, NC 28645.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com