Martha Hackney Livengood

Born on July 22, 1938, in Alexander City AL, Martha graduated from Albany High School in 1956 and received a bachelors degree from Mercer University in 1960, where she was an active member of the Phi Mu sorority. Martha worked in Columbus, GA in the field of social work where she met her future husband, Ray Livengood, a dashing young Army Lieutenant with a Datsun 500 convertible. Set up by friends on a blind date, when they discussed via phone how they would recognize one another, Ray told Martha she would know him by his wooden leg to which she quickly replied that she had a glass eye. They continued to laugh with and at each other from that day forth. Obviously smitten, shortly after that first date Ray wrote to his parents that he had met a long legged, green eyed, southern beauty. Truly a whirlwind romance, they met in February, were engaged in April and married in June of 1961.

Martha and Ray and their family lived in many different and exciting places during his Army career. They retired in 1980 to Opelika, AL where Ray founded a residential construction company, and Martha earned her Real Estate license. An astute and successful agent, Martha served as President of the Lee County Association of Realtors, was recipient of the Jack M Dunlop Service Award,

and was more than once named Realtor of the Year.

Martha moved to Nashville in 2008 to be near her daughter and grandchildren and quickly became involved at St. George’s Episcopal Church where she was well loved, admired, and valued. Her interests and talents included volunteering, gardening, antiquing, visiting historic homes, planning travel tours, cheering for her Auburn Tigers, and bragging on her grandchildren.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo Shankle (Steve) and two cherished grandchildren, Madison Grace Shankle and Benjamin Edward Shankle. She is also survived by her brother, William H. Hackney (Christine) of Atlanta and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally Martha leaves behind devoted cousins who would tease her as lovingly as they did mercilessly.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Josephine Hunt Smith Hackney and William H. Hackney, Sr., her son Scott Hunt Livengood, her husband, LTC Raymond H. Livengood, Jr., and her sister, Mary Dance.

The family has unending gratitude for all those who cared for Martha these past two years, especially Dr. Anthony Meluch and her devoted caregiver, Ronnie Simmons.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 31st at 12:30 at St. George’s Episcopal Church with a celebration of Martha’s life to follow at 1:30. The Rev. Kristine Blaess and the Rev. Roger Senechal will officiate. Martha’s friends from the PrimeTime group and the Daughters of the King will serve as honorary pall bearers. Interment will be on Saturday, April 1st, at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Senior Ministries at St. George’s Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.