Martha Waltrip Leach

Martha “Marty” Waltrip Leach, age 82, passed away on October 30, 2024, in Indian Land, South Carolina. Born on March 1, 1942, in Owensboro, Kentucky, she was predeceased by her parents Martha and Rufus Waltrip. her husband, John Leach, and her sister, Sue Mahoney.

Following high school, she moved to Wilson, North Carolina, to attend Atlantic Christian College (currently Barton College) where she met her husband John Leach. Marty dedicated several years to teaching before embracing her role as a devoted stay-at-home mother. In 1971, the couple moved to Scotland Neck, North Carolina, where Marty would call home until 2009.

In the early 1980s, Marty returned to work and became the head librarian at the Scotland Neck Memorial Library, a position she held for over 29 years. During her tenure, she oversaw a significant renovation and expansion of the library, greatly enhancing its role in the community. Marty was also a committed member of the Scotland Neck Methodist Church for many years, where she held multiple leadership positions and actively participated in various church activities.

After John's passing in 2008, Marty relocated to Indian Land, South Carolina, to be closer to her family in the Charlotte area. There, she forged many new friendships and took great joy in attending her grandchildren's dance recitals, baseball games, and other important events. A lover of all sports (particularly college basketball), reading and cats, Marty will be remembered as a kind and loving person who touched the lives of many and was dedicated to giving back to her community.

Marty leaves behind a loving family, including her sons, Jack Leach (Jenneane) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Will Leach (Ann) of Charlotte, North Carolina. She is also survived by her brothers, Ed Waltrip (Lois) and Wes Waltrip (Elissha) both of Lexington, Kentucky. Her grandchildren, Caroline, Catherine, Wesley, Marthe Claire, Scott, and Jack, along with numerous nieces and nephews, will hold her memory dear.

A celebration of Marty's life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Scotland Neck Methodist Church in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. Burial will take place at 3:00 pm at Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marty’s name to the Scotland Neck Memorial Library Trust Fund, 1600 Main Street, Scotland Neck, North Carolina 27874.

Marty will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.