She was born in Lancaster, S.C. on March 20, 1929 to the late Sidney J. Neal and Alma Williams Neal.
Martha was raised in Wilmington and graduated from New Hanover High School in 1949.
She was employed by the Department of Social Services before leaving to enroll in the nursing program at Cape Fear Technical College. She was an exemplary nursing student, graduating from CFTC in 1987.
For many years, Martha enjoyed participating in bowling leagues at Cardinal Lanes, where her friends affectionately knew her as “Boots”. She served as a ”Pink Lady” volunteer at New Hanover Hospital, which influenced her later decision to enter the nursing profession. In her retirement years, Martha enjoyed international travel, visiting over 30 countries with her husband Ron.
Martha was preceded in death by her five sisters, Mellie Sanders, Kathleen Sauls, Earline Tinsley, Margaret Hodge, and Miriam Neal; her four brothers, Fred Neal, Wade Neal, Murray Neal, and Troy Neal, and her grandson Joshua Ashley Johnson.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Ronald N. Lipsius, her daughters Ann Johnson of Hewitt, Texas, Deborah Jordan and husband John of Wilmington, Cheryl LeVan and husband David of W. Mansfield, Ohio, sons Jim Anderson and wife Linda of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Keith Anderson of Wilmington; grandchildren, David Johnson, Alexandria Johnson, Devin Johnson, Jason LeVan, Julie LeVan, Madison Anderson, Peyton Anderson; great-grandchildren, Madison Johnson, Drake Johnson, Kylee Johnson, Dayton Johnson, and Nevaeh LeVan.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday February 9, 2012 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home, 3915 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28403.
A grave side service will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 11:00 at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Alzheimers NC, 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC, 27609.
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