Martha Claire Sutton Todd

Martha Claire Sutton Todd was named Miss Irwin County High School from her small town in Ocilla, Georgia. Martha grew up surrounded by great neighbors, Ocilla Baptist Church, and an extremely close-knit family, including her four siblings: Jack, Fred, Kenneth, and Carolyn. However, one day she decided to leave the rural area and her loving family in pursuit of expanding her horizons in culture, education and giving back. At the advice of friends and family, she sought what turned out to be a very rewarding and exciting life in the capital city of Georgia.

On July 27th, 1964 Martha gave birth to her beloved daughter Elaine. Elaine later married Bruce P. Arnett, Jr. and together had their wonderful children, Martha’s grandchildren, Giorgi and Carli. Martha’s face lit up every time she spoke of her family. She loved to show off photos of their trips to Europe together, her grandchildren dressed up for special occasions, and their magnificent family outings.

During her thirty-three years of service to a Fortune 500 company, she met who would become the Love of Her Life, William N. Todd, Sr. Their relationship was described by many as the love affair of the century. Martha and Bill married in November of 1976, officially conjoining their lives and their families. Following an amazing career becoming Managing Assistant to the President and CEO of BellSouth, Martha and her late husband set out to launch the Peachtree Christian Hospice Ministry.

In 1999 Martha and Bill Todd were approached by their pastor and the late developer Scott Hudgens about creating a hospice center. “We were quite up front with Scott, that we didn’t have any medical experience,” Martha Todd said. “That was on a Saturday, I think. He told us we had until Monday to figure out how it would work.” And figure it out they did. On October 22nd, 2000 Peachtree Christian Hospice celebrated its grand opening in Duluth, Georgia. As co-chairman of the PCH board of directors, Martha did a tremendous job working to raise money and support, expand knowledge, help her community, and even throw elaborate galas.

The Peachtree Christian Hospice voted to establish the “Bill and Martha Todd Leadership Award” in memory of William N. Todd, Sr. and Martha S. Todd. This prestigious award is presented each year to recognize the servant leadership of individuals who have demonstrated outstanding devotion and support to the Peachtree Christian Hospice mission.

Martha had a deep admiration for her Bill, family, mission, and church. She led a beautiful life full of love, giving, and devotion. The impact she has made on so many lives will never be forgotten and will always be cherished. Any person who was lucky enough to meet the renowned Martha Claire Sutton Todd is blessed in more ways than they could ever be imagined. It is with heavy hearts that we lay her to rest; however, she is now reunited with her Bill in a better place.

Visitation will occur Tuesday, November 14, 2023 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at H.M. Patterson & Son – Oglethorpe Hill. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11:00 am at Peachtree Christian Church. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery.

Friends and family are welcomed to join us for a reception celebrating the wonderful life of Martha Todd at her granddaughter Giorgi’s home, at 890 Penn Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309.