Martha Riggan McLaughlin

Martha Riggan McLaughlin passed away on January 9, 2015, after a period of declining health. She was the daughter of the late Hal Kenneth Riggan Sr. and Avery Lucille Phillips of Amory Mississippi. Her brother Hal Kenneth Riggan Jr. preceded her in death. Martha was born June 30, 1926 in Amoryi. She was a graduate of Birmingham Southern Business College in 1945. She attended the University of Georgia from 1947-1951 at night while working at Swift & Company in Atlanta, working toward a degree in Secretarial Science and Business Law.

Martha married John Clay McLaughlin on May 12, 1946. John was working at Sears, Roebuck & Co. in Atlanta and was eventually transferred to Raleigh in 1951. John worked at the Cameron Village Store and later at the Crabtree Sears store. He retired from Sears in 1975 and in 1996 preceded Martha in death.

Martha was employed in March 1952 in a part time position with the Wake County Board of Elections. She was put on full time in 1957 as the Executive Secretary for the Wake County Board of Elections.

Martha was a charter member of the North Carolina County Board of Elections Executive Secretaries Association and held the positions of Treasurer, Secretary and Vice-President. She served a total of 10 terms on various committees. She was appointed to serve multiple State Task Forces and committees to work on strengthening, clarifying and updating Election Laws and procedures in NC. She retired from the County in December 1983.

After her retirement, Martha was appointed to the Wake County ABC Board. She served from 1984 until she resigned as Chairman in 1996.

Martha was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Laura Clark Chapter of Women Organizations.

A daughter, Marsha McLaughlin Sample, Son-in-law, Tony Lee Sample, grandson Marshall Riggan Sample, niece, Rose Rogers, nephew, Kenny Riggan special sister in law Pauline McLaughlin, very special niece, Sandy Baker, and many cousins, survive Martha.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Terrace, Rex Rehabilitation Center and Dr. Kati Dessauer for all of their great care and compassion.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 125 Hillsborough Street on Tuesday, January 13th at 2;30 pm. Visitation will be at the Church at 1:00. Burial will follow the Service at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Raleigh Salvation Army or The Church of the Good Shepherd.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St. Raleigh.