Martha L. Leggette

MARTHA LEE LEGGETTE, was born to the late David and Maggie Hines in Halifax County, North Carolina on November 20, 1935. She departed this life on October 16, 2019 at 3:22 am at Mercy Medical Center. She received her formal education from the Halifax County Public School System.

Martha and her first husband James Edward Smith Sr. moved to Baltimore, MD. and had four children, Josephine Buckner, Essie Mae Smith, James Edward Smith Jr., and Alice Elaine Witherspoon. She began working as a housekeeper in private homes for over twenty years. After the death of her first husband James E. Smith Sr., she later met and married James Willie Leggette. Together they raised all four children. She was a very loving and devoted wife to her husband James "Jay" until he was called home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2018 at 12:30pm.

Martha accepted Jesus Christ as a young child in North Carolina. She was a member of New Baptist Church and remained there until its closing. She later joined Sweet Prospect Baptist Church where she was a faithful member until her death.She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She shared a special bond with each of her grandchildren. She enjoyed getting her hair done, watching soap operas, traveling with her family; mainly her sisters "The Golden Girls", and going to the slots. She shared a special relationship/bond with her daughter Alice. They were mother and daughter but they were also best friends.

"Ma", "Grandma", "Granny", Aunt Martha or Mrs. Martha as she was affectionately known, she was that to all of us and many more. Our friends became her extended family and they all loved her too!

She would cook on Thursday night which consist of Fried Chicken, beans (blacked eyed peas or green lima beans) and hot biscuits. All were welcomed to dinner especially the tax office during tax season. She made a special trip to drop of hot food every Thursday to them. She used to cook fish and cornbread on Friday's but someone stopped that with a bribe(can't mention the name).

She preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband James"Jay" Leggette; two daughters Josephine "Phine" Buckner; Staff Sgt. Eddie Mae Smith; one son James "Nookey" Smith Jr.; one daughter-in-law Debbie Smith' one granddaughter, Tanya "Wink" Buckner; one great grandson Imani Smith; four sisters Maggie James, Minnie Jones, Edna Day, Shirley Chavis-Colfield; four brothers, Rudolph, Bennie, David Lee, James Hines.

Martha leaves to cherish wonderful memories; her daughter Alice Witherspoon (Johnny Sr.); nine grandchildren, Jonnie Mae(Terry Ross), Antwaine (N'neke Smith), Donta (Gelita Smith), Jermaine (Ashley Smith), Lashaunda Cherry, Terrell Smith, Tamika Smith, Johnny Witherspoon Jr.; Trinetta "Nikki" (Davon) Thrasher; twenty-eight great grandchildren; twelve great-great grandchildren'; two sisters Nina (Carlwell Page), Annie Rae Shelton; two brothers, George and Robert (Annie Hines) one brother-in-law, Sinclair Leggette; one sister-in-law, Edna Hines; two God Children, Tamekka Adkins, Randy Page and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.