Martha Hester McLaurin

Martha H. McLaurin died September 17th, 2014 at Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, N.C. She was born in Raleigh to Nugent Hester and Louise Rogers Hester on August 24th, 1928. She graduated from Raleigh’s Needham Broughton High School where she excelled academically. She married William (Bill) L. McLaurin September 15th, 1946. He predeceased her in 1996. Martha and Bill had six children all surviving her including Regina McLaurin; Bill (Sally) McLaurin; Steve (Marian) McLaurin, Megan Poole, Kristy (Billy) Dixon, Shannon (Gene) Thornburg. The 18 grandchildren include Andy, Amanda, and John (Mary) McLaurin; Meredith and Lindsey McLaurin; Adam, Justin, and Mark Poole; Tyler, Chase, Grayson Eubanks and Sara and Ben Dixon; Jesse, Luke, Whitney, Josh, and Hanna Thornburg.

Martha worked alongside of Bill McLaurin in beginning McLaurin Parking Company where she continued to work until she was 83 years old. She was a devoted wife and mother supporting her husband in three successful Raleigh City Council Races and traveling throughout the Southeastern United States in support of her children showing horses for 20 years. From ball games to performances and graduations she was always present for children and grandchildren. A strong believer in the strength of family, she initiated family meals every Sunday for the entire family. She was a strong supporter of White Memorial Presbyterian Church in numerous endeavors including being a founding member of the Step-Up Ministries. She was a founding member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Cary, but returned to her home Church of White Memorial after Cornerstone got off the ground. Always answering the call to provide assistance, she was the primary care giver for several elderly friends beyond her family commitments. She provided financial support of widows of former McLaurin Parking Company employees in their final years.

Martha was diligent about attending all family functions and activities of her children even organizing large family reunions for her extended family and her husband’s extended family. She and Bill offered themselves in aiding many of these extended family members in their formative years often in a quiet manner outside of recognition. Ever compassionate with a smile, she realized great satisfaction in helping others whenever she saw a need.

She maintained a mission of providing knitted caps for newborns for Wake Med Cary completing over 1,000 baby bonnets over the years. Her leadership abilities were displayed throughout her life with her final position of leadership being President of the Glenaire Residents Association. She was a resident of the Glenaire Retirement Community for fourteen years.

Thanks are given by the family for the caregivers at Glenaire and Hospice who provided love and comfort in her days of declining health.

The family will have visitation at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on Saint Mary’s Street in Raleigh on Sunday, September 21st from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The funeral will be at White Memorial Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 22nd at 2:00 p.m. Those desiring to donate to a charity in honor of Martha McLaurin may send to the Presbyterian Homes Foundation – Glenaire, 2109 Sandy Ridge Road, Colfax, N.C 27235.