Martha Pigg Cole

Martha was born on the 24th day of September 1923 to Bessie and Lawson Pigg of Pageland SC. She was one of four children, two girls Blythe and Kathryn, and one brother Henry. The family lived on a farm which is still owned by family. Bessie and Lawson raised their children to be active in Zion Methodist Church. Bessie, Lawson, Blythe, Kathryn, and Henry predeceased Martha.

Martha graduated from Pageland High School in 1941 and attended Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC. In 1942 she moved to Charlotte and worked for Lance Packing Co. and for the Shell Plant during WWII.

In 1956 she started working at Sears Roebuck & Co. and worked there until she retired after 29 years.

Martha loved to sew, and as a single mother of two children made most of her daughters’ clothes. This passion was taken away when she lost her sight in 2010. She had many close friends and loved interacting with people, especially at the Matthews Senior Center and organized senior bus trips.

Martha and Sam Jordan brought two wonderful children into the world, Brenda and Ben who predeceased his mother.

After being divorced for 18 years, Gene Childers came into her life and they were married for 17 years until his passing. Martha’s family was extended with the addition of Gene’s daughter Jeanne (Randy), grandsons Matt (deceased) and Kevin.

After meeting at Saint John’s Methodist Church in March of 1997, Martha married Jack Cole. Jack has been a very loving husband and stepfather. They shared many friends through their church and friends they brought into each other’s lives from previous years. He was always there when she needed him and was a wonderful addition to the family.

Her greatest love was for her family. She is survived by her husband, John W. Cole of Matthews, N.C.; her daughter Brenda J. Autrey and her husband Randy Autrey of Charlotte, N.C.; step daughter Jeanne Hall and her husband Randy Hall of Supply, N. C.; daughter-in-law Margaret Jordan of Florida; grandchildren Todd Autrey (Brandy), Brian Autrey, Maggie Steen, and Kevin Morelock: great grandchildren Taylor Autrey, Tessa Autrey, Vera Autrey, Liam Autrey, and Madison Morelock.

Receiving of friends will be held at 2PM at McEwen Funeral Home, 5716 Monroe Road in Charlotte, N.C. on Wednesday, June 27 2018 followed by a memorial service at 3PM. Graveside will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial to the cause of your choice.